On May 1st, 2024, the UCLA Palestine Solidarity Encampment–consisting of nonviolent protests with participants from across numerous racial and religious backgrounds–was attacked. Masked outsiders set off fireworks, toxic sprays, and attacked students with weapons. Less than 48 hours later, UCLA leadership dismantled the encampment and over 200 students and staff members were arrested. In response…
The room feels suffocating, so you rush to the balcony The view is dark, hazed with fog and low visibility What lies ahead is uncertain Your heart beats fast against your chest as the anxiety seeps into your mind In a moment of guidance and faith, you must remind yourself “Upon Him I rely, and…
Time left until execution: 00 days, 00 hours, 00 minutes and 00 seconds devious smiles nervous grins political sins legal flips and spins fingers begin to bend to form a fist then – handshakes weakened cordiality and decorum ends constitution blowing in the wind panel dismantled according to whims governor’s patience wearing thin “been going…
During a family stay in New Delhi during my junior year holiday break, I witnessed protests advocating for Islamic equality. I watched as people from the Muslim community gathered in solidarity, chanted, and marched for their rights. Seeing the blur of faces, flags, and signs resurfaced my experiences of alienation as a Muslim woman in…
The young Palestinian girl begging Israeli soldiers to spare her life. A teenage boy sitting by the hospital bed saying goodbye to a loved one lost to COVID. The college student pushing herself through each day as she combats academic and financial stress, only to live each day with lifelessness and repetition. As the atmosphere…