U of R students, staff coordinate in support of ending violence in Gaza, West Bank
A group of students along with faculty members from the University of Regina (U of R) held a peaceful sit-in to show their support for the people of Gaza and the West Bank on Friday.
The day-long event featured speakers, as well as a number of activities including sign making and book reading. A lunch was also provided, as well as time and space for an afternoon prayer.
For the students who participated, they want the public to know the Palestine situation is an important issue within the student body.
“This is not something we can let up on if we want the Palestinian people to be safe and recognized,” said Jetta Triffo, a political science student from the U of R.
“We have to recognize them ourselves, and bring awareness in our communities and the communities outside and off campus.”
Much of the day was coordinated by the students.
Robin Ganev, a professor for the U of R, said it was an meaningful moment seeing students coming together for a just cause.
“Some of these students have connections to the region. Some of these students have family that are affected. They’re doing this because they care,” said Ganev.
While the focus was on the conflict on Gaza, students were able to discuss and include other injustices currently happening now and from the past.
“Selective activism doesn’t really get us anywhere. As the saying goes, ‘we’re not free until we are all free,’ and I think that’s important for us to realize,” said Ali’s Elawad, a science student from the U of R.
The sit-in was in coordination with similar events being held around the world, including Saskatoon.
Encampment events have been happening for the past month across Canada in support of ending the conflict in Palestine.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
AS IT HAPPENED Wildfire reaches Jasper Wednesday night, causes 'significant loss'
One of two wildfires threatening Jasper National Park reached the townsite Wednesday night and caused 'significant loss.'
Alberta calls in army to assist with wildfire situation
Alberta has called in the Canadian Armed Forces to help assist with the worsening wildfire situation in the province.
Biden explains why he ended re-election bid in Oval Office address
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
Norad intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers operating together near Alaska in apparent first
The North American Aerospace Defence Command (Norad) intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers flying near Alaska Wednesday in what appears to be the first time the two countries have been intercepted while operating together.
2 Canadians being 'sent home immediately,' removed from Olympic team after drone incident
An analyst and an assistant coach with Canada Soccer are being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and 'sent home immediately,' according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
An unwelcome attendee has joined the Paris Olympic Games: COVID-19
After a handful of Australian water polo players tested positive for COVID-19 this week, questions have emerged around how the spread of the disease will be mitigated at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Vacations, meals, booze: Contractor used $100K of charity's money for personal expenses, B.C. court finds
A B.C. man who was hired to help a non-profit build a food hub but instead spent the money on personal expenses – including travel, restaurants, booze and cannabis – has been ordered to pay more than $120,000 in damages.
Male, female killed, 2 others injured in 'gun battle' outside Toronto plaza: police
Two people are dead and two others suffered serious injuries following a shooting that police have described as a 'gun battle' outside a plaza in Scarborough, Ont. early Wednesday morning.