A coalition comprising 34 student organizations at Harvard University has issued a statement in support of Palestinians, asserting that the Israeli apartheid system is the sole perpetrator in the ongoing conflict. They are calling for a coordinated moment of mourning for the lives lost.
In their statement, released on Monday, the students declare that the Israeli system bears full responsibility for all the acts of violence unfolding between Palestinians and Israelis after decades of occupation. They emphasize that the Israeli apartheid system alone is to blame.
The responsibility for the outbreak of war is squarely placed on Israel in the statement, which states, “What transpired in Gaza did not occur out of nowhere. Over the past two decades, millions of Palestinians have been compelled to live in an open-air prison without shelter or escape routes. Massacres have been committed against them, with Israeli violence permeating the lives of Palestinians for 75 years.”
The signatory organizations include Islamic and Palestinian support groups, as well as diverse groups with names like “Harvard Jews for Liberation” and “African American American Resistance Organization.”
Harvard University also released a statement expressing regret for the consequences of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, acknowledging the emotional toll and urging humanitarian steps to resolve the divisions instead of inflaming them.
The speech delivered by the Harvard student organizations has faced harsh criticism and calls for the university to take a clear pro-Israel stance. Prominent Harvard alumni condemned the statement in support of Palestinians and urged the university to take action against the signatories.
However, activists applauded the speech for its courage in standing up to those who oppose it. They emphasized the value of investing in good education, which enables individuals to remain neutral, seek the truth, and not be swayed by propaganda and slogans.
Many praised the educated youth for their greater rationality compared to their extremist leaders.
The university’s statement received mixed reactions on social media, with some strongly criticizing its attempt to maintain neutrality.
Laurence Summers, Harvard University’s honorary president, expressed his disappointment, saying, “In 50 years, I have never felt as alienated as I do today.”
In this era of complex geopolitical conflicts, it is essential to consider different perspectives and encourage dialogue to work towards a peaceful resolution. Harvard University students are actively engaging in this discourse, taking a stance on one side of the issue, but it remains crucial to engage in open discussions and maintain respect for diverse viewpoints.
