This past week of November 4- November 9, UCLA’s Students for Justice in Palestine hosted “Palestine Awareness Week” here on campus. This week was filled with activities that spread awareness about the occupation of Palestine territories. Though controversial in topic, this event promoted friendly debates and sparked educated discussion among students. Starting on Monday, November 4, the Students for Justice in Palestine hosted a variety of events that involved heavy interaction with students and information about their cause and Palestinian culture.
The group made their cause known along Bruin Walk and in Bruin Plaza with a display of a mock “apartheid wall,” which was on display throughout entire week with powerful messages and information about the cause. The events throughout this past week primarily featured speakers who educated students on Palestinian refugees and the occupation of territories along with separation. Bruins were given the opportunity to listen to various speakers and were able to voice their own opinions through discussion amongst themselves and through the act of writing letters to Palestine. The Students for Justice in Palestine also organized activities celebrating Palestinian culture such as calligraphy, poetry, and Dabke demonstrations. Palestine Awareness Week gave UCLA students the opportunity to become more aware of some of the world’s most controversial issues along with a chance to learn and celebrate Palestinian culture.