UMass Students Unite in Vigil for Global Solidarity

On September 26, UMass Amherst students held a vigil in solidarity with people suffering in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Lebanon, and Palestine. Organized by several student associations, the event stressed the importance of collective empathy and the acknowledgment of shared human experiences amidst escalating humanitarian crises across these regions. Attendees spoke passionately about their hopes for solidarity and the power of community in advocating for social justice.

On the evening of September 26, approximately 100 students convened between the Student Union and Campus Pond at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to participate in a vigil aimed at expressing solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Lebanon, and Palestine. This event was collectively organized by the University of Massachusetts Amherst Students for Justice in Palestine, the UMass Amherst Arab Cultural Association, and The African Students Association, with information disseminated through their social media platforms. The vigil was held in the context of escalating humanitarian crises: the Democratic Republic of the Congo is enduring significant bombardment; Lebanon is experiencing intensified Israeli airstrikes; Sudan is grappling with extreme shortages of basic necessities, including food, water, and medicine; and Gaza continues to experience bombings amidst promises from Israeli leaders for continued military actions against various groups. Despite the light rain, students utilized umbrellas and the shelter of trees, with some passersby stopping to observe the gathering. Attendees were invited to express their thoughts about the vigil’s significance. Ridha Alam, a senior biology major and President of the South Asian Student Association, articulated, “It’s really important for people to go up there and use your voice for the voiceless and really open your hearts. It’s really easy to focus on what makes us so different, but if you think about it, we’re all fundamentally the same.” After several impromptu speeches, the vigil encouraged communal dialogue among the attendees. Senior Maya Glenn reflected on her motivation for participation, stating that attending last year’s vigil inspired her to return this year, emphasizing the value of collective acknowledgment of global issues. “I feel like if we can come out and at least acknowledge what’s happening on campus altogether, maybe it can give us the push to speak out more, to know that we’re a collective,” Glenn noted. Glenn further underscored the significance of the vigil’s location, situated across from where a previous encampment occurred—a politically charged site where many students faced arrest. “This is where so many students were arrested and brutalized, and then we come here to speak up and share and embrace each other. There is something pretty symbolic and powerful about it,” she stated. A Lebanese student contributed her perspective, asserting that gatherings like this serve as vital support systems. She remarked upon the universal impact of such global events: “No matter what, everyone, in some way, is affected by these [events]. Whether you are ethnically related to these issues… or if you are just empathetic to the cause.” This sentiment of shared humanity was echoed throughout the vigil, with a strong emphasis on collective suffering and the necessity for solidarity in addressing human rights issues across borders. Kalina Kornacki can be reached at [email protected] or followed on Twitter @KalinaKornacki.

The vigil was organized in response to ongoing humanitarian crises in various regions, namely the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Lebanon, and Palestine. Each of these areas is currently facing severe challenges, including war, food shortages, and significant loss of life due to military actions and socio-political conflicts. The vigil aimed to raise awareness and foster unity among students regarding these global issues, encouraging a collective effort to support affected communities.

In summary, the vigil at UMass Amherst served as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity amidst ongoing global crises. Student engagement and dialogue illustrated a commitment to raising awareness, honoring those affected, and reinforcing the notion that despite differences, there exists a shared responsibility to advocate for social justice and humanitarian support. The gathering provided a platform for solidarity and reflection among students of diverse backgrounds, reinforcing the importance of collective action in the face of adversity.

Original Source: dailycollegian.com