26 May 2021 | Volume 80 | Edition 2
Palestinian Solidarity Forum holds vigil with UCT SRC Fo l l ow i n g we e k s o f violence, predominantly in Palestinian Gaza, the Palestinian Solidarity Forum (PSF) held a nighttime vigil alongside the UCT’s Student Representative Council (SRC) to remember those fallen. By Daniel P. Rossmeisl News Editor
O
n the 15h of May 2021, the UCT SRC announced that it would support the Un ive r s i ty ’s Pale s t i n ian Solidarity Forum (PSF) Vigil on Campus Plaza, Monday 17 May 2021. This is in line with the current SRC’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the President of the SRC, Declan Dyer, said to the gathering on Monday night: “The UCT SRC has been very clear and deliberate on its position.” However, the evening represented more than just the stance of the SRC.
“As the President of the SRC, Declan Dyer, said to the gathering on Monday night: ‘The UCT SRC has been very clear and deliberate on its position.’”
A carefully managed crowd of almost 200 students gathered on the plaza to show
Source: Rabia Parker/ PSF
their support. One student, in a black shirt reading #Smashing the Patriarchy, went from person to person with hand sanitizer and a smile – reminding attendees to socially distance and to wear their masks. “The vigil was held to show the support by UCT students for the Palestinian struggle. However, the steps welcome workers, professors, alumni and leaders from across the city,” she told VARSITY. The event began with a series of speeches. The first to the microphone was the current leader of the University’s chapter of the PSF, Anwar Adams, followed by the SRC President. After the welcoming speeches were complete, the Secretary General of the PSF recited ‘A Letter to Palestine’ and the event took on a more sombre tone. A moment of silence for the
lives lost over the past weeks affected the students deeply. Then the floor was opened to the group for students to speak their mind and “voice support for Palestine”. One student, Connor Sampson, urged all in attendance to speak up regardless of the complexity or threat of disagreement: “I hope that you guys can be braver,” his voice grew in strength, “braver than I was. Stand up for those who cannot!” Another student reminded those present that it is not just the existence of the Israeli government that threatens Palestinian independence: “Remember what the other Arab states have do ne to Pale sti ne ove r th e p a s t ye ar ! ” The organisers surprised the attendees by conducting a live telephone interview with 17-year-old Abdul Majiet and his 3-year-old sister in Gaza.
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UCT’s stance on the issue has been criticised by some members of the student populous. On the 18th May, the university released a statement condemning the “atrocities and human r ights v iolatio n s p e r p e trated in Occupied Palestian Territories.” This response has been criticised by members of the PSF for failing to institute a full “academic and cultural boycott” on Israeli institutions. Meanwhile, on May 17th, the South African Union of Jewish Students (SAUJS) released their own statement suggesting that the manner in which UCT’s SRC has involved itself is intentionally polarising. The SAUJS statement suggests that language used by the SRC neglects the needs and rights of students within its constituency, and that discourse should include opportunity for peace, mutual respect, and compromise.