The Tompkins County Human Rights Commission shared a resolution Dec. 18, 2023, calling for the community to promote peace by advocating for a federal ceasefire and supporting local Jewish and Muslim community members. At Ithaca College, this call for peace is happening just as fervently among students. Now, it is the responsibility of the college to hear these calls for peace from students and provide the community with genuine action and support.
Students have been organizing against the Israel-Hamas war through already established student organizations, like Ithaca College Students For Palestine. Hillel has also hosted events and shared resources in an effort to support the mental health of students who may be affected by the conflict. Additionally, some students are working to create new organizing groups, like Students for Justice for Palestine (SJP). While it is excellent that students are ready to take action and promote peace, they should not be alone in their efforts.
President La Jerne Cornish has previously commented on the Israel-Hamas war, publishing a statement Oct. 10, 2023, urging the campus community to support both Jewish as well as Palestinian and Gazan community members. Cornish also sent an email Dec. 8 in response to acts of anti-semitism. While this communication is a start, it is essential to keep the conversation going among students, faculty and administrators on this important issue. It is one thing to send out an email and another to actively support students by creating safe spaces and providing necessary resources to student groups.
One of the best parts of being a student on a college campus is being surrounded by other passionate young people who are also invested in advocating for what they believe in. It is essential that administrators express that same level of care. While the Israel-Hamas war is an international conflict, it is an issue that not only affects the student body as a whole, but has the potential to make students feel unsafe in their own identities. The college must do everything they can to advocate for students and, furthermore, for peace.
