Students Take a Stand: Bay Area Walkouts Protest Israel-Hamas War
In a powerful display of solidarity, hundreds of high school students in the Bay Area staged walkouts to protest the Israeli attacks in Gaza. The movement, inspired by Instagram posts, kicked off with a press conference held by the Arab Resource and Organizing Center on the steps of San Francisco City Hall. Following the press conference, a call went out for students to walk out and march, resulting in demonstrations at various schools.
Videos shared by Balboa High School students captured the passionate chants of “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” as students streamed through the hallways. Similar protests took place at Galileo Academy of Science and Technology and Lowell High School. Although the San Francisco Unified School District expressed support for students’ right to peaceful protest, they clarified that the walkout was not a district-sponsored activity.
According to Wassim Hage, a spokesman for the Arab Resource and Organizing Center, the students organized themselves, with some coordination through the Middle East Students Club. AROC provided support and advertised the walkout. Several schools in the Oakland Unified School District also confirmed student participation, alongside Berkeley High School. At Berkeley High, freshman Ella Howard described a gathering of over 200 students at Civic Center Park, located adjacent to the school.
During the walkout, students listened to speeches from organizers and a teacher. They chanted powerful slogans like “Stop bombing Gaza!” and “Free Palestinians!” Howard expressed frustration with the lack of in-class discussion about the Israel-Hamas conflict, stating that they watched one video that briefly explained the situation and then had to rely on outside sources to learn more.
“I looked it up. I listen to podcasts. I read some articles and I look at my parents’ stuff,” Howard explained, highlighting the need to seek information independently. Ximena Boullosa, another protester from Berkeley High, mentioned that she learned about the conflict through her parents and friends, who shared news and personal experiences.
The diverse student population at Berkeley High witnessed Jewish and Palestinian students standing side by side during the walkout. Boullosa emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity among students, regardless of their backgrounds or perspectives. The participation of both Jewish and Palestinian students in the protest illustrates the desire for understanding and awareness of the ongoing conflict.
As we observe these courageous students taking a stand, it is essential to recognize their commitment to raising awareness and advocating for peace. The walkouts serve as a reminder that young voices have the power to make a difference and bring attention to important global issues. The Bay Area students’ determination to learn, protest peacefully, and support one another demonstrates the strength of their convictions and the potential for positive change.
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