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What started out just a week ago with 70 students organizing themselves at Columbia University has now led to a nationwide, grassroots, student-led university movement for peace and an end to the genocide in Gaza.

In recent days I have had the honor of seeing the anti-war encampments at both the University of Minnesota and Columbia first-hand, and I'd like to take a moment today to say that in the face of violent threats, physical brutality, and immense opposition, I am in awe of the bravery and courage of these students and activists.

I am moved by their shared commitment toward standing in solidarity with the people of Palestine, pushing for an end to a genocide which has killed more than 34,000 Gazans, and fighting against an Israeli occupation and apartheid system which the United States helps fund to the tune of billions of dollars each year.

I also continue to be immensely proud of my daughter Isra, who — alongside dozens of her classmates — was arrested and charged with trespassing at Columbia this past week. Isra has always led with courage and compassion, and I'm not surprised in the slightest that she's actively organizing and pushing the institution she attends to be transparent in whether they are financially invested in the genocide in Gaza.

To this end, as a mother, a Congresswoman, and as a human being, it has been incredibly painful to see how our media, our president, and nearly every leader on both sides of the aisle has spent their time and energy condemning these brave acts of protest and unity rather than seeking an end to this horrific war.

The fact is that young people have always been the leading force in our society pushing our government to do better — whether it be the Civil Rights movement, the LGBTQ+ movement, the labor movement, the environmental movement, or the fight to end the Vietnam War, young people have led the way.

In this spirit, I firmly believe that these students and activists are on the right side of history in pushing our country to not remain complacent and complicit in the genocide in Gaza.

I urge these students not to allow anyone to tell them that standing up for what is right is wrong. I am certain that one day they will be celebrated in the history books because their cause is a just cause.

While universities and colleges across the country are turning their backs on the promise that higher education is rooted in the idea that students become strengthened as a better human being, as a just person in our society, as someone with a holistic understanding of the world, or as one who speaks truth to power — do not turn yourselves into what they want you to be.

There are many people out there trying to vilify and take away from the message of what these incredible young people are doing, not just on college campuses but in cities, towns, and neighborhoods nationwide.

Stepping up to change what you can't tolerate is why we as a country have the right to free speech, assembly, and petition enshrined in our Constitution, and the violent backlash from law enforcement, elected officials, and the media has been nothing short of a disgrace and an outrage.

That is why it is critical that our progressive movement continues to stand together in the face of these attacks, and it's why I'm asking you today:

Please add your name to my petition in solidarity with the anti-war student protesters and their efforts organizing against the genocide in Gaza at universities across the country. This is an important moment to stand with our movement.

ADD YOUR NAME: [link removed]

Thank you for reading, and thank you for adding your name in support today.

In solidarity,

Ilhan Omar
 


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