Campus Groups Supportive of Palestine Organize Vigils and Gatherings to Honor October 7 Victims

Pro-Palestinian Student Groups Mark Anniversary of Attacks

On October 7, 2023, pro-Palestinian student organizations across the nation held overnight gatherings to honor what they referred to as “martyrs” in response to the anniversary of terrorist attacks against Israel.

These campus groups, often collaborating with the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) network, commemorated the day when Hamas attacked, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 civilians, along with reports of assault and the taking of 251 hostages. The SJP has previously characterized the massacre as a “historic victory,” reflecting their stance on the events.

In a promotional post for a “Rage & Resistance Rally,” the Philadelphia SJP Coalition referred to Hamas attackers as “martisans.” They stated, “October 7 marks two years since Palestinian resistance fighters bravely erupted from Zionist prisons. The government has changed Gaza,” suggesting a narrative of resistance and honor for their cause.

Various chapters of SJP echoed similar sentiments. For example, the University of California, Davis proclaimed “glory to all maritalists” during their event. Stanford University’s chapter held a gathering “in honor of martial artists,” and along with groups from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, they hosted all-night events called “All-nighting for Our Martialists.”

Efforts to reach the Philadelphia SJP Union and the other SJP chapters for comment were unsuccessful. Additionally, the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill SJP could not be contacted.

A lawsuit filed earlier this year claims that certain campus groups, including Columbia SJP, had prior knowledge of the October 7 attacks and had engaged in violent protests supporting terrorist entities. Allegations state that Columbia SJP posted “We’re Back!!” shortly before Hamas initiated its attacks, indicating possible foreknowledge of the events.

Furthermore, the SJP reportedly praised Hamas shortly after October 7, describing their actions as justified and necessary for Palestinian liberation. They urged students to shift their messaging to normalize resistance.

Another group, Women of the Liberation (WOL), also organized events around this anniversary, calling attention to what they termed the “maritalists of Gaza” and promoting unity with Gaza amid calls for liberation from perceived oppression.