By Anna Goldizen, The Daily Athenaeum
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Dozens of campus community members marched from the Mountainlair to the Monongalia County Courthouse at a “Peace for Palestine” protest Saturday, organized by WVU’s Muslim Students’ Association (MSA).
Participants held signs that read “Free Palestine” and “Let Gaza live” and adorned the Flag of Palestine during the march.
MSA Vice President Omar Sabbagh organized and led the protest, which aimed to spread awareness of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
“As human beings, we are all affected by this, even if we’re not the ones getting killed,” Sabbagh said. “We should have sympathy for these people. These people are humans.”
Conflict between Israel and Palestine dates back over a century. On Oct. 7, 2023, Islamist militant group Hamas launched an attack against Israel, according to the Global Conflict Tracker. Israel declared war on Hamas the next day and invaded the Gaza Strip.
After gathering at the Mountainlair, participants marched to Woodburn Hall where Sabbagh advocated for awareness and education for the ongoing war.
“To everyone here, I tell you, educate those around you,” Sabbagh said. “Educate those around you. Teach those people next to you.”
Omar Ibraheem, President of MSA, said the display also supported pro-Palestine protests at universities across the nation.