Am Yisrael Chai 🤍

Kudos to the Students Supporting Israel (SSI) @ssi_rutgers group for orchestrating an impactful and memorable march to advocate for the hostages held since October 7, marking their 171st day in captivity. The march along College Ave drew a crowd exceeding 200—comprising students, alumni, parents, and faculty—who received a swell of support and well-wishes from onlookers. Despite facing opposition from a handful of vocal pro-Hamas demonstrators attempting to drown out the speakers, the event remained focused on its core messages of peace, and solidarity and support for Israel.

A standout moment occurred when a pro-Israel student engaged a protester, who was shouting incendiary slogans, in a conversation. What began as an attempt to distract evolved into a significant dialogue, during which the pro-Israel student effectively countered the protester's call for a ceasefire by highlighting that Hamas violated the truce and ceasefire on October 7.

The conversation brought to light the untenable position of demanding Israel cease its defensive actions, likening it to asking firefighters to stop battling a blaze prematurely.  The dialogue underscored the necessity of continued efforts to dismantle Hamas to ensure the safety and return of all hostages. This incident not only silenced the critic but also highlighted the importance of education, knowledge of history, and informed discussions about the complexities of Middle Eastern conflicts. The SSI's march stands as a testament to the power of peaceful protest and constructive dialogue in fostering understanding and advocating for Israel's right to exist in peace with her neighbors.