“From the River to the Sea” and “From Sea to Shining Sea”
Disturbing refrains that require genuine listening
Publicly appreciating student protesters that I know
Protests and demonstrations are taking place on college and university campuses across the United States as students demand a cease-fire and an end to the killing of thousands of innocent children, women, and men in Gaza.
I’m a professor of religion at Luther College, a small liberal arts college in rural Decorah, Iowa. Our campus recently became one of the many college campuses where students are organizing and leading rallies in support of Palestinians in Gaza.
Approximately 150 students, faculty, and staff participated in a peaceful rally supporting Palestine. One student organizer from Lebanon called for a cease-fire in Gaza, emphasizing the humanity of the more than 34,000 people killed and 77,000 injured in Gaza since October 7. The student movingly acknowledged the beauty and sanctity of life and highlighted the familial loss and suffering experienced by a current Luther student whose family is trapped in Gaza.
Minutes after the conclusion of an amazingly peaceful 45-minute rally celebrating the humanity and resiliency of the Palestinian people of Gaza, a college…
