Amelia Jane Sand/Fourth Estate

Students for Justice in Palestine hold a protest on Wilkins Plaza during the “Week of Rage,” noting one year of resistance 

BY BARRETT BALZER, STAFF WRITER AND AMELIA JANE SAND, STAFF WRITER

On Oct. 9, Students for Justice in Palestine at Mason held a “1 year of genocide, 1 year of resistance” protest on Wilkins Plaza during their “Week of Rage” events. 

In an Instagram post by SJP Mason, the “Week of Rage” is described as a week of demonstrations “against the zionist entity & its brutal genocidal campaign upon Palestinians.” The events, taking place from Oct.7 to Oct. 10, included “art-building, poster making, and reflections & discussion,” a screening of “TRT’s Holy Redemption” and an absentee prayer.

During the protest on Wednesday, organizers started with a prayer, consisting of two rows. The prayer was led by one male organizer, leading both rows of men and women each. All prayed northwest towards Mecca.

Amelia Jane Sand/Fourth Estate

The protest featured heavy chanting, shouting, “we will not be pushed aside, put an end to genocide,” “from the sea to the river, Palestine will live forever,” and “Bil Rouh, Bil dam, nafdika ya falasteen,” which translates to “with our soul and blood we will free Palestine.” Members of SJP took turns beating a drum to the rhythm of the chants.

“I have a message for the leaders of George Mason University. The purpose of a university is to be a champion for the truth, and despite the nonstop barrage of misinformation from Netanyahu and Biden, and despite the shamefully timid coverage in the news industry, we know the truth,” Associate professor Tim Gibson said. “We must stop it now. If you can hear my voice in Horizon Hall, in the Johnson Center, all around campus, join us, do not be afraid of repression.”

Other speakers included members from SJP, as well as one Lebanese speaker, addressing the attacks in Lebanon.

During the protest, two counter-protestors arrived. The pair shouted, “America first,” and played unintelligible music from a JBL speaker. The counter-protestors were quickly told to stop by members of SJP and other protestors. Another individual stepped in and said, “they have a right to be here.” After the exchange, one protester sat down with the pair to hold a private discussion. 

In an Instagram post, SJP explained that the efforts of the rage week are to “continue to wield our power within our institution, holding George Mason university accountable.” 

“We will not stop, we will not rest,” wrote SJP. “For Gaza, we will continue to rise no matter how long it takes.”