One U.S. campus after another, activists are letting out breaths of relief and descriptions of anxiety. This protest reaction comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s announcement of a permanent Gaza ceasefire on Monday. The peace deal comes after a prolonged conflict that resulted in significant loss of life and widespread protests at universities nationwide. While activists on both sides celebrate the conclusion of violence, many are left scratching their heads as to what it means for future advocacy — and dialogue.
Grace Eliza Goodwin and Brandon Drenon Washington reporting on the ground. They do not reflect the passionate sentiments of student activists currently on the ground inspiring both young pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel activists. Mr. Ahmad, an elected student activist at Georgetown University, said that although the ceasefire is not victory, it offers a sense of hope. “Maybe this is the end. All I can do is hope,” he remarked, reflecting the uncertainty many feel.
The long-term effects of this conflict are real, felt not only among our local communities but across the world. Reports indicate that at least seven people in Gaza were killed by Israeli drone strikes on the same day as Trump’s announcement. Khalid, a former student activist at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, shared the burden of his personal tragedy. He shared the information that dozens of his family members in Gaza died in the course of war. His lived experience serves as a tragic reminder of the inhumane price of this ongoing conflict.
Mr Baker, co-chair of Columbia’s pro-Israel public affairs council Aryeh, went full hawk for Israel. He stressed the importance of still pursuing advocacy efforts, despite the ceasefire. His statement sadly resonates with many who fear that after the peace process, we might stop caring about the continuation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The political climate around campus activism has shifted just as dramatically in recent months. Such intense protests had never before taken place at even half the number of U.S. universities. To all of this pressure, three university presidents—of Yale, Columbia, and University of Pennsylvania—stepped down in quick succession. Moreover, the Trump administration’s decision to freeze billions of dollars in funding from universities deemed non-compliant further complicates the situation for academic institutions grappling with activism and free speech.
Though pro-Palestinian protests had largely quieted down ahead of the ceasefire announcement, activists are still engaged in a vigorous debate about their next steps going forward. Concordia pro-Palestinian student activists Mahmoud Khalil & Rümeysa Öztürk underscored the need for dialogue, understanding, and respect between communities. Mr. Hashem articulated a hopeful vision for reconciliation: “Now is the opportunity we have to talk to one another, to have conversations, and ultimately, to push for dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, between Jews and Arabs.”
Not all activists agree with Mr. Hashem’s optimism. Fellow student leader Thomas expressed his concerns. He underscored the reputational repercussions that can land on anyone willing to take a public position on either side of the debate. “They think if they speak out about what they believe in, no matter what side they’re on, that it’s going to create more conflict in the social atmosphere,” he noted.
While the uncertainty remains heavy, for now, many activists are taking comfort in the immediate results of the ceasefire. Mr. Ahmad remarked on the joy he feels seeing families reunited: “Looking online, getting to see the smiles of people knowing that the crisis is over and that the war has been stopped – it’s joyous.” He added that the recent years have been filled with destruction and loss: “The past few years, all you saw was carpet bombings, buildings destroyed and families lost.”
Though we are hopeful that this conflict will find a peaceful resolution, the future of these children is still worrying. Khalid reiterated his hesitance to fully accept that violence has ended: “I’m hesitant to fully accept that this is the end of the mass killing and the violence.”
