Editor’s Note: This article contains references to death.
Editor’s Note: Information in this article, originally published April 21, 2024 has been corrected. Incorrect information regarding the nature of an altercation between a student taking graduation photos and attendees of the vigil has been corrected.
NC State’s Arab Student Organization and Students For Justice in Palestine gathered in the Court of Carolina on Friday to honor lives lost during the Israel-Hamas war with speeches, flags and a ceremony that ended with a moment of silence.
Jamal Mohamad, a fourth-year studying finance and president of ASO, said the event was organized to recognize the number of lives lost in Palestine and create a space where communities can come together.
“There’s something about a vigil that brings communities together,” Mohamad said. “… People are talking, people feel warmth, it’s that warmth that we lose when we’re so tunnel vision, our own lives are tunnel-visioned, like trying to do other things.”
Before speeches began, an incident occurred between a student taking graduation photos in the area and attendees of the vigil.
Police arrived and stayed for the remainder of the vigil after the altercation, although Technician cannot confirm if the presence was related to the incident.
Around 30 students and community members were wrapped in keffiyehs and holding “Free Palestine” signs as they listened to Mohamad issue a call to action after Student Senate failed to fast-track Resolution 29 on Wednesday.
“The last time I was here speaking at an NC State vigil, the death count was only at 3,000,” Mohamad said. “Now we are seeing reports of 40,000 Palestinians murdered in Israeli genocide. I’m tired of having to get on my knees and beg for people to see the urgency and Palestinians being murdered.”
After the speeches, a moment of silence occurred while several students walked up to flags and a piece of artwork by Silman Mansour, a Palestinian artist, to place flowers and cards with personal testimonies of Palestinians who have lost their lives due to the conflict.
In addition to student speeches, several students spoke against Student Senate’s decision to not fast-track R 29 and the U.S. support of Israel.
Arian Farhat, a fourth-year studying biology, said the lack of NC State’s support in recognizing the Israel-Hamas war is a crime against humanity.
“Honestly, at this point, it’s not even grieving,” Farhat said. “I’m angry. I want more of the student organizations to be lifted and supported if they need funding to be given that they need.”
Kayla Patterson, a graduate student studying park recreation and tourism management, said she came to the vigil to find a sense of community.
“I think the solidarity and the need to define unification,” Patterson said. “I’m fed up, and I don’t really know what else to do with that energy, with that hurt. So I wanted to come be around other people who are acknowledging it.”
Patterson also said the UNC School Systems’ decision to remain neutral on the Israel-Hamas war is more hurtful than saying nothing at all.
“The UNC School Systems are gonna allow us to say things or speak on it publicly, but it’s ignoring all the students who they’re supposed to be protecting, and who they’re supposed to be looking out for their mental health and well-being,” Patterson said.
If you or someone you know is having difficulty processing grief or having a mental health emergency, the Counseling Center can be reached 24 hours a day at 919-515-2423. If you are in a crisis situation and need immediate help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. In the case of a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
The Counseling Center’s website offers free online screenings, a plethora of self-help resources regarding mental health and wellness concerns and a comprehensive list of campus services available for those who need guidance. To view an exhaustive list, visit https://counseling.dasa.ncsu.edu/resources/
If you’re seeking professional counseling or other mental health services on campus, visit the Counseling Center’s Getting Started page at https://counseling.dasa.ncsu.edu/about-us/gettingstarted/ to complete paperwork, set up an appointment and more.
Two demonstrators embrace each other while listening to speeches during the Gaza vigil at the Court of Carolinas on Friday, April 19, 2024.
