Taking a resolute stand against Israel’s mass killings and grave human rights violations in Palestine, the Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral (KASAMA), together with various student organizations of MSU-IIT, gathered IITians in a solidarity forum and walk on Wednesday, October 22.
Mr. Imanuel Moso, a community organizer affiliated with Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya spoke during the forum at the COE Amphitheater, discussing the history of the injustice and oppression faced by Palestinians under the usurpation of the Israeli government of their lands.
He also pointed out the role of the United States as one of the key figures supporting the continuing massacre and land dispossession in Palestine, affirming Hamas’ right to resist.
When asked how the struggles of the Palestinians related to Filipinos, Moso emphasized the connection between the two nations through their shared history of subjugation and deprivation of liberty.
“It’s because of the war machines,” Moso asserted, highlighting that US interference and support for the destruction make it even more crucial to inform and educate people of the massive atrocities Palestinians suffer.
Hannah Valerie Acama, Mayor of the Junior Philosophers’ Guild (JPG), also expressed that “we share the same struggle as them,” referring to the Moro community’s own pursuit of acquiring independence and autonomy over the lands that were dispossessed from them.
Acama continued to share that apart from raising awareness of what is happening in Gaza, encouraging the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement is also crucial as it significantly contributes to cutting off the international support for Israel’s oppression of Palestinians.
During the discourse, the Handala Project—a volunteer organization advocating cross cultural solidarity—was introduced to the students as another means to extend support and provide humanitarian aid to Palestine through donations.
A student participant shared his insights on how to sustain the conversation, stating that the key lies in “informing deeper and slowly decolonizing the mind,” adding, “we need to be self-aware and transfer the skill to be self-aware to others.”
Echoing within the small vicinity of the amphitheater was the loud cry of solidarity for the victims of this grotesque massacre: “Mula sa Pilipinas hanggang sa Palestina, palayain mula sa Imperyalismo!”
The heated exchange of words in the amphitheater was cut off with the go signal for the solidarity walk, beginning at the COE Amphitheater, proceeding to Peace Park, and concluding at the University Lawn, where a prayer of hope for the Palestinians was offered.
Marching the streets of MSU-IIT, IITians shouted: “US Imperialist, Number One Terrorists,” “Free, Free, Free Palestine,” and “Imperyalismo Ibagsak!”
Speakers reiterated that the suffering of Palestinians must be called what it truly is: genocide and ethnic cleansing, emphasizing that what is happening there can no longer be regarded as merely a conflict, but a war.
Written by Tresha De Villa
Proofread by Harris Donmoen Iligan and Fame Orong
Photos by Aiyeesha Abah and Charlize Carvajal
Photo Edit by Aiyeesha Abah
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