Dear Friend,

As I write, I am watching the amazing scenes from around the country as students at more than 200 campuses protest in support of Palestinian humanity, against war, against genocide, and for peace with justice. In Austin, state troopers attempted to disburse peaceful demonstrations. In Los Angeles and Ann Arbor, students marched. In New York, students are undeterred and standing strong despite arrests. And these are only the large, well-known universities getting the coverage. Our office is hearing so many more reports of students standing firm even in the face of arrest and expulsion at universities large and small all across the country.

In times of crisis, young people lead the way. When I was in college and grad school, we led demonstrations against war and for racial justice. It was another generation of young people who fought for environmental protections, racial, social and gender equity, and against gun violence. Now, we take hope from these same students as they stand against U.S. policies enabling genocide and famine in Gaza.

Like you, I am shocked, but not surprised, by the mainstream media’s attempt to depict these students as ill-informed and/or antisemitic. It is shameful. The diverse students organizing these protests condemn hateful attacks on students, calls for violence, antisemitism and anti-Arab bigotry – just as we do. It is wrong to suggest a few provocative voices, caught on camera, are representative of this massive anti-war movement. This movement is led by students of conscience, of all backgrounds, including many Jewish students.

In the face of all these pressures, from lawmakers, administrators, the media, and law enforcement, this generation deserves our support. In this moment, I wanted to do something immediate to show our solidarity with these brave students and signal our love and support for them. If you're like me, being raised in an Arab home, food was the first thing that came to mind. So, earlier today, AAI sent shawarma sandwiches to the Columbia students. We'll continue to do this once a week and encourage others to join us on the other days as long as the students continue.

If you have a campus near you where students are encamped, I encourage you to find a local restaurant and send some food to these young people. It may seem simple, but it will mean something to those standing for what is just.

-Jim

Arab American Institute Foundation
1600 K Street, NW, Suite 601
Washington, DC 20006
United States