On Oct. 12, MU students and community members marched down Ninth Street to demonstrate support for Palestinian liberation
Mizzou Students for Justice in Palestine organized a vigil and march to protest for Palestine’s liberation and mourn those lost in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Held at 5:30 p.m on Oct. 12, students, community members and local leaders gathered in Speaker’s Circle before marching down Ninth Street.
Ethan Waterman, the Communications Chair of Mizzou Students for Justice in Palestine, speaks on a megaphone on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at Speaker’s Circle in Columbia. Waterman was critical of the US support and funding for Israel, especially funds supplied to the Israeli military.“As citizens of the United States, the primary backer and protector of Israel, we all have a moral duty to demand our government take a fair and sensible policy which forces Israel to the negotiating table,” Waterman said. Local supporters of Palestine hold a flag up in Speaker’s Circle depicting the Dome of the Rock, a significant Islamic shrine in Jerusalem. The text on the flag reads that “All of Palestine is Jerusalem.” MJSP President Isleen Atallah encourages protesters as they march down Ninth Street. “As a Palestinian, I strongly believe in the freedom of the Palestinian people,” Atallah said. “I strongly believe in peace and an ending of injustices for everyone involved.” A protester holds a cardboard sign claiming “zionists are colonists” amidst the march. Protesters marched down Ninth Street chanting phrases including, “Palestine will be free, From the rivers to the sea.” Ian De Smet, Co-Chair of Mizzou’s chapter of Young Democratic Socialists of America, walks down Ninth Street with a sign in support of Palestine. “I think all we can do from here is show solidarity and empathy. And I think it’s our duty, not just as citizens, but as human beings,” Smet said. Jeff Stack (center), the Coordinator of the Mid-Missouri Fellowship of Reconciliation, carries a sign as he walks past the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute. “More than two million people live there [Palestine] with no hope, total despair, unable to get adequate medical care,” Stack said in a speech to fellow protestors.
The Maneater aims to portray the Israel-Palestine conflict holistically by emphasizing student response through our coverage. As a newsroom, we strive to platform student voices and emphasize the impact of this international conflict on our campus. To do so, The Maneater maintains editorial discretion over the selection of text, photographs and the distribution of published content to ensure the conflict most prominently emphasizes the student voice.
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