Photo Courtesy of Farr Associates Architecture and Design
NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State University’s “Students for Justice in Palestine” held a march in Uptown Normal to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Over the past year, students at ISU have formed “Students for Justice in Palestine,” an organization dedicated to advocating for Palestinian liberation and marginalized communities worldwide. The group has focused specifically on ISU’s funding of businesses that support Israel in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
“I don’t think I’ll ever stop fighting,” group member Haley Thies said. “Our biggest issue is getting a ceasefire in Palestine. We’re also fighting against American government funding of the genocide in Palestine, and for ISU to divest from companies that are complicit in the occupation and genocide of Gaza.”
Around 30 students lined the Uptown Normal strip at 4 p.m., marching and chanting, “We will not stop, we will not rest, divest.” Not including the twelve-day encampment back in spring, this marks the sixth rally the organization has held since its formation.
The group hopes to raise awareness among both the student body and government officials as the war continues to escalate across the West Bank.
“Use your voice. Your voice is your power, and our other power is coming together as a collective,” Theis said.