The Students for Peace and Justice at Elon University walked from Medallion Plaza, throughout Young Commons and eventually ended at the Moseley Center patio. Ten advocates led the march through campus holding signs with slogans like, “Humanity must prevail.”
Leading the walk was Elon junior Natalia Sendawy. Sendawy said in a speech to the crowd that their purpose for this event was to stand in solidarity with oppressed people around the world.
“This walk isn’t just about raising awareness but it is a statement of unity in fighting for peace, justice, and the fundamental human rights everyone deserves,” Sendawy said.
Sendawy said she is half Polish and half Palestinian, so recent conflicts between Israel and Palestine are truly personal to her.
“I have family in Gaza, where the people endure a daily reality of siege, occupation and oppression, yet remain deeply connected to their land and their history,” Sendawy said.
This walk was not only important to Sendawy, but to those who participated. Professor of sociology and adviser to Students for Peace and Justice Thomas Arcaro said though this walk was smaller than others they have held in the past, it is just as impactful.
“I hope what people are seeing is a very inclusive movement,” Arcaro said. “In my mind, this isn't against anything as much as it's for humanity. For literally peace and justice.”
Arcaro also encouraged actions of passion and said involvement with current events is something not to be taken lightly.
“I believe that this is a quintessentially important teachable moment,” Arcaro said. “University students are charged with developing their critical thinking skills and focusing on peace and justice is perhaps the hardest place to hone one's critical thinking skills, because it does involve a very complex situation.”