Tensions rise as Palestinian, Jewish student groups hold events on Kent State campus

Students supporting both Palestinians and Israelis gathered on the Kent State University campus Thursday as tensions rose between the two groups.

Students for Justice in Palestine, Democratic Society and the KSU Muslim Student Association gathered at the "K" at the Kent Student Center, protesting against "Israeli occupation" and saying last weekend's violence was a response to decades of oppression.

Later, Hillel, the Jewish student center on the KSU campus, hosted a vigil where students, rabbis and area Jews called for dialogue and peace.

The two groups didn't interact, but both groups had things shouted at them from passers by. As the Muslim students gathered, one person shouted, "What the (expletive) is Palestine," which was ignored by the group.

Later, as Jewish student Scout Stone read a poem called "The Hate for Me," about the antisemitism she'd experienced, people walking on the sidewalk past Hillel shouted "Free Palestine!"

"Long live Israel!" a Jewish student responded.

Palestinian supporters criticize what they call 'clear imbalance of power'

Speakers supporting Palestine said the people there have been oppressed for 75 years, and the attacks over the weekend were a response to that oppression.

Chris Abou-Elias, a sophomore at KSU, said there have been 10 times as many violent acts against Palestinians as there have been against Israelis.

"There's a clear imbalance of power," he said "This is a problem of systemic oppression against Palestinians."

Carmen Barghouty, a KSU student and daughter of Palestinian immigrants, said her family's people have lived under humiliation and oppression and had no idea what their future would look like.

"Last Saturday, Palestinian resistance was revitalized," she said. "We stood as one for our lives and liberty."

Yaseen Shaikh, a member of Students for Justice in Palestine, said although the student group is shaken by the recent loss of lives, the uprising last weekend was not unprovoked.

"If you think the freeing of a people comes without struggle, think again," he said.

He led the group in a chant.

"From the river to the sea," he shouted.

"Palestine will be free," the group shouted back.

The event ended with the group marching to front campus to paint the KSU rock the colors of the Palestinian flag.

Jewish students express security fears

At Hillel, students expressed concern about escalating tensions on campus. A social media post promoting the event offered rides around campus and campus escorts, as well as mental health resources.

Rami Feinstein, an Israeli musician who came to Akron last year to play with Jewish Akron, called the earlier event "either ignorant or evil." He said he knows somebody who was kidnapped by Hamas, and most Israelis know somebody who was kidnapped, killed, raped or fighting for their life.

"If you really care about people in Gaza, you should be shouting, 'Free Gaza from Hamas,' " he said.

Andrew Aronoff and Rose Martyn, co-presidents of Hillel, said they traveled to Israel last year as part of their "birthright" trip. Both described returning with a renewed passion to connect with their Jewish roots and become more involved at Hillel.

"We will stand strong with the Jewish people and we will stand strong with Israel," Martyn said.

Aronoff said Hamas does not represent all Palestinian people, and called for dialogue rather than debate.

Aronoff said he has been hearing Jewish students express concern for their safety walking around campus, especially after hearing that Hamas has called for more attacks, both in Israel and on Jewish people in the United States and around the world. Emma Guritza, an "ally" who took the trip to Israel as a student leader and has many Jewish friends, said many of them also worried about verbal attacks on campus.

Aronoff said Hillel has resources in place to help students feel more safe.

"We want to bring the Jewish students together and create a safe place," Aronoff said.

Reporter Diane Smith can be reached at 330-298-1139 or dsmith@recordpub.com.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Tensions rise as Jewish, Muslim groups gather on Kent State campus