Members and supporters of Penn State’s Jewish community gathered Tuesday night for a vigil in remembrance of those killed in the Hamas-led attack against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
At the same time across town, student and local pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the street in a protest condemning the current war in Gaza that has ensued over the past two years.
The events mirrored others held around the world on the second anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks that sparked a conflict that has in turn claimed tens of thousands of lives.
Penn State Hillel’s vigil at the Gutterman Family Center for Jewish Life on South Garner Street welcomed students and community members in remembrance of the lives lost and to pray for the return of hostages.
Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people and kidnapped 251 people in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack during a major Jewish holiday. Most hostages have been released in ceasefires or other deals, but Israel has recovered the remains of 57 and dozens more are still inside Gaza.
The vigil was part of a week of events led by Hillel on and around campus to remember, reflect and offer support and unity. They included therapy dogs throughout the week at the Gutterman Family Center, art therapy on Monday, an art exhibit on Tuesday, a screening of the film “October 8” and Q&A with Tessa Veksler, who is featured in the documentary, on Wednesday, and Shabbat service on Friday.
About 30 demonstrators led by Students for Justice in Palestine, meanwhile, gathered at the Allen Street Gates to call for an end to the war and U.S. support for Israel.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed more than 67,000 people, destroyed vast areas of the strip, displaced around 90% of the population of some 2 million and caused a humanitarian crisis, with experts saying Gaza City is experiencing famine.
Saying the events of Oct. 7 have been followed by an Israeli genocide against Palestinians, some protestors carried signs and organizers used megaphones to lead the group in chants, prayers and a lecture ahead of taking the streets. One counter-protestor, local resident Jason Maas, carried a pro-Israel sign with United States and Israel flags.
After about 25 minutes, the protest moved to the street on College Avenue, blocking traffic with bicyclists at the front and rear to stop vehicles as the group moved toward North Burrowes Road on campus. Police trailed behind in vehicles, appearing to monitor the demonstration. The group stopped in front of the Applied Research Lab, which receives substantial defense contracts, as protestors chanted that the Penn State administration “has blood on their hands.”
The nearly hourlong march eventually made its way to Old Main Lawn, where leaders of various organizations delivered speeches about the war.
For Students for Justice in Palestine, it was also part of a week of events that also include a Memorial for Gaza with flags placed on HUB Lawn on Monday, a teach-in on Wednesday, an informational event on Thursday and a performance of “The Gaza Monologues” on Friday
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
