Southern Oregon University student organizers protesting the war in Gaza are urging university administrators to join them in calling for a permanent ceasefire.

An estimated 100 students and/or community supporters took to the Stevenson Union courtyard at SOU Wednesday, May 15, during the student-led walk-out to commemorate what is known as The Nakba (a Palestinian word meaning catastrophe), the time when thousands of Palestinians were displaced as Israel became a nation-state in 1948.

This is the first known demonstration at SOU in protest of the war in Gaza, where the death toll for Palestinians has been tabbed at 35,000, mostly women and children, signaling a call from the United Nations for a ceasefire. The current conflict was sparked Oct. 7 by an attack on Israel by Hamas, during which 150 Israeli hostages were kidnapped by Hamas.

Students and community members, many wearing Palestinian scarves, stood in a half circle Wednesday, holding hands, and chanting their support for those who have been killed in Gaza. Speakers stood to share written works from Palestinian authors, some of whom, like other civilians, have been killed during the conflict.

The student organizer of a rally to commemorate Nakba Day on Wednesday at SOU told Ashland.news in an interview on Thursday that she and some other students on campus believe that the university has expressed neutrality toward the conflict in Gaza by so far not doing so.

“We demand disclosure from Southern Oregon University about disclosure of the investments that Southern Oregon University, its Board of (Trustees), and the SOU Foundation makes in a way that is accessible to the student body,” the student organizer, who asked to remain anonymous, told Ashland.news.

In particular, organizers want to know if SOU has investments in Israel and weapons manufacturers that are providing to Israel, the student organizer added.

SOU President Rick Bailey was not immediately available for comment, but SOU spokesperson Joe Mosley said on Wednesday that there are no known ties between SOU and Israel.

Giving peace a chance

Veteran protester Kayla Starr, 82, served as a de-escalator during the demonstration, walking amongst the crowd of protesters and onlookers, ensuring safety for all participants and spectators.

Starr is Jewish and is part of Jewish Voice for Peace, a nationwide group that has a chapter in Ashland. She wore a T-shirt that said, “Not in my Name.” The reference represents Jews who don’t wish for Israel to kill Palestinians in the name of protecting Jews. She believes such actions make all Jews unsafe.

“We’ve been part of most of the demonstrations on campuses and city streets for the last six months,” Starr said.

Starr is no stranger to protests. She’s participated in protests of the Vietnam War at University of California, Berkeley when she was a student and knows firsthand what to expect at rallies.

“I’m observing, I’m watching if there are people that look like they’re getting riled up,” she said.

“I try to de-escalate by talking to them, listening to them … if people don’t feel heard, they won’t hear anything you have to say.”

She is encouraged by the students’ activism and wanted to be there to support them.

“I really feel like the students rising up now is the best hope we have for stopping the military tendencies of the United States,” Starr said.

Avram Sacks, who was also present in support of the students, was among those who stood up to speak during the event, which he said is part of a “non-violent” movement.

“We’re not threatening any Jewish people,” Sacks said, who noted one of his grandparents died at Auschwitz during World War II.

Sacks said that he believes the Israeli state is controlled by a “Zionist and racist ideology” under President Benjamin Netanyahu. He recommended those participating in the demonstration not to label individuals as Zionist, however, as that could be interpreted as anti-Semitic.

“Let’s try to really have true dialogue and understand where people are coming from, where Jewish people are coming from,” Avram said. “We need to work together, but we need to be really clear that Palestinians have a right to exist.”

SOU Campus Public Safety personnel were on hand, as well as SOU Dean Carrie Vath. The demonstration remained calm, even as impassioned cries and chants could be heard throughout the central part of the SOU campus.

“Rafah, Rafah, don’t you cry!” students cried. “Palestine will never die!”

“Ceasefire Now!”

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!”

“From the sea to the river, Palestine will be forever!”