Listen — I’m a Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies major, and I’d be lying if I told you that our campus climate has consistently fostered comfortable, informed areas for dialogue about Israel and Palestine. 

Let’s not forget why Israel exists. It’s not a mere luxury. It is a necessity. It is necessary for the survival of the Jewish people. Our people have long been subjected to pogroms and persecutions, so it is clear that the Jewish state is the only safe haven for Jewish people when the world inevitably turns on us.

Recall me or not, know that this is not over. Know that I will continue to disrupt and resist. Know that I will continue to ask how many innocents killed it takes to break your silence. Know that I will continue to advocate. Know that I will continue to love all and to love loudly. And know that you will keep hearing about it. I can only hope that you will choose to join me.

Regardless of whether he was talking about the Palestinian people or about Hamas, the people of Gaza have been facing near-constant bombardment and dwindling access to clean water, electricity, and food for the past month.