Palestine Solidarity Statement
We are writing today as we stand with each of you in the heartbreak and fear rippling across the world. We have heard from so many of you who are facing tremendous loss, ongoing terror and a sense of helplessness as we witness the violence and destruction occurring.
As a student union, we have stood against colonization. We have called for reconciliation and anti-colonial work within our university and community. As we witness what is happening in Palestine, we again stand united against colonial oppression occurring in the region. We stand with the Palestinian People and call for a free Palestine. The decades-long Israeli apartheid regime has resulted in Palestinians being systematically displaced from their land and homes as part of state-sanctioned genocide.
Throughout this conflict, we have witnessed countless losses of innocent lives. We mourn the loss of every life. We condemn all hate surrounding these events, standing completely united against Islamophobia and Anti-Semitism. We are calling for an immediate cease-fire and the right to self-determination for the Palestinian people. We are calling on our elected leadership to support this demand.
We are calling on our membership to research the history of apartheid, ethnic cleansing and genocide that has unfolded in Palestine. We ask our membership to listen to our fellow students who have lived under this state-sanctioned violence and have felt the impact through generations.
As we stand together in this fight, we want to caution our membership. Our university has already been targeted with anti-Palestinian rhetoric this year and we recognize that our students have felt unsafe during this time. We are here for our membership and encourage students seeking aid and to come together with the community to connect with MUNSU. We want to encourage our membership to practice safe protest including protecting your identity and encourage wearing masks to each event. We will also be sharing resources for students to know their rights and engage safely in protest.
We have supported three local events this month, a vigil, rally and march for Palestine. We will continue to work with local organizers to uplift these events and encourage our members to attend.
Beyond a statement, we recognize the need for action to change the reality of life for Palestinians under violent occupation. We remain committed to prioritizing the safety of Palestinians on campus, as well as to empowering their voices at future events. We are working with impacted students to ensure accommodation, coordinate messaging and provide support. We are also signing on to the petitions led by Amnesty International and Carleton Students calling for a series of actions, including advocating for a ceasefire, supporting diplomatic efforts, and addressing the urgent humanitarian situation.
It is vital to call out the direct aid and support of our government and leaders in committing these crimes against humanity. We demand that the Government of Canada join the calls for a ceasefire.
Lastly, we want to express solidarity with student unions across the world who are calling for an end to settler colonialism and for a free Palestine. We condemn academic institutions attempting to silence students, particularly York University, and stand united with students.
Solidarity,
MUNSU Board of Directors