The Spire

Lizzie Swanson ‘28

Chief News Editor

On Monday, October 28th, a group of roughly 50 members of the Holy Cross community gathered on the Hoval to rally for the Palestinian Liberation Movement. Professors, Alum, and students alike assembled at 3:30 to protest both the American government’s involvement in the Israeli and Palestinian conflict as well as Holy Cross’ alleged support of Israel. Organized by the Student Social Justice Collective, a relatively new club here on campus, they have proclaimed their mission as “dedicated to advocacy for human rights and justice around the world.” October 27th marked the two year anniversary of the Israeli invasion of Gaza after the October 7th massacre in which Hamas leaders murdered over 1,200 civilians and took hostage 251. Since then, roughly 64,000 Palestinians in Gaza have died (The number of casualties for both Israeli and Palestinian citizens varies depending on the news source. To encourage consistency and fairness, this article will only draw from PBS News and NPR as references for death tolls). The Student Social Justice Collective, hereafter referred to as the SSJC, had two demands for the Holy Cross administration. “Either GUARANTEE to students that our partner investor (Strategic Investment group) is not funding genocide, or break the tie.” and “RAYTHEON OFF CAMPUS NOW.” Raytheon is a company which provides the U.S. and international partners “with the combat power and technology needed to complete the direct attack, standoff and strike missions necessary to dominate the air and own the skies.” In addition to air defense, Raytheon has divisions representing land, sea, space, integrated air and missile defense, strategic missile defense, advanced technology, and hypersonics. Through the Center for Career Development, applications for the Contracts Leadership Development Program at RTX, Raytheon’s parent company, became available to students on Handshake. As the “world’s second largest weapons manufacturer and largest producer of guided missiles, RTX supplies the Israeli Air Force with guided air-to surface missiles for its F-16 fighter jets as well as cluster bombs.” However, there is no decisive evidence that Israel has been using these weapons in Gaza since October 2023. The SSJC has called for an end to Holy Cross’ partnership with Raytheon. 

As members of our community gathered in protest, many shared disapproval towards both the American and Israeli government as well as the Holy Cross administration. Senior Co-Chair, Todd Rado stated in his address, “Israel is the size of New Jersey…they have wholly bankrupted and indebted themselves in their mission of destroying the idea of Palestine… Israel is a pariah state… In the slaughter they have exposed their weakness and how they beg for aid with open hands and how willingly and desperately they receive it.” Rado continued stating that the Jesuit teachings of Holy Cross are a “bluff” as they have not denounced Israeli action. Lasting for a little over an hour, the protestors started their march on the Hoval and moved to Upper Easy Street and onto Lower, before marching to the Fenwick steps, in front of Dinand, and finally ending back on the Hoval. Carrying signs saying “Stop Arming Israel, Where is your Human Spirit, Free Palestine, and Land you have to kill for is not yours,” protestors additionally chanted a number of phrases. The most notable chants were “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” “Raytheon, you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide.” “From Palestine to Mexico, all these walls have got to go.” and “There is only one solution, Intifada, revolution.” The word Intifada is an Arabic word which roughly translates to “uprising”. However, the history of this word is one that resonates with many around the world as a term of terror and violence. Referencing the First Intifada (1987) and the Second Intifada (2000), these moments in history reflect a time of crisis for Israeli citizens. During the Second Intifada, Palestinian militant groups killed roughly 1,000 Israeli civilians and soldiers through suicide bombings. Israel responded with ground force, killing roughly 3,000 Palestinians. 

Several members of the protest were students in Professor Jacques Linder’s class on social ethics. As a replacement for having a traditional class, students voted they would rather attend the protest. “I presented it as an option that relates to the themes of the class of solidarity, of dignity of the human person, of care for the human families…The class decided to attend as a group and participation in the walk itself is optional, but you could be an observer or a participant.” During the Protest, Holy Cross students received an email from Michele Murray, the Senior Vice President for Student Development and Mission titled “Post-demonstration Support.” In the message, Holy Cross offered a variety of resources to students as many might be “processing thoughts and emotions and looking for support as they reflect upon current domestic and global events.” Sharing the contact information for resources like CAPS, the Chaplain’s Office, Public Safety, JEBI, and a variety of other offices, Holy Cross offers many services which can benefit the wellbeing of students. As stated in the email, “Holy Cross is dedicated to being a community in which freedom of expression is celebrated and encouraged… Our Ignatian values, including cura personalis and people for and with others, call us to engage in expression in ways that affirm the dignity of all persons.”

https://afsc.org/gaza-genocide-companies

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https://www.npr.org/2024/06/04/nx-s1-4958278/intifada-chants-pro-palestinian-protests-israel

Featured images courtesy of Lizzie Swanson ’28