At Columbia University in New York, students sang a powerful protest song day and night at the Gaza solidarity camp. Led by Basil Rodríguez, they demanded the university sever ties with Israel. The movement spread to campuses worldwide, echoing protests against past injustices. On April 30, nearly 100 students were arrested after occupying Hamilton Hall.
Basil, a Palestinian-American, felt a deep responsibility to speak out against Israeli violence. Her activism was fueled by personal connections to the Palestinian struggle, including the murder of her mother’s cousin, a journalist killed by Israeli forces. Despite the risks of protesting in the US, Basil believed in the power of collective action for justice.
As the students faced arrest and campus crackdowns, they remained steadfast in their commitment to the cause. Basil’s resilience and determination to fight for Palestine reflect a generational shift towards activism and resistance. The struggle continues, with students undeterred by challenges and determined to make their voices heard.
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