The situation in Gaza remains dire. 11 months have passed since the beginning of what can only be described as genocide, and British universities continue to play a complicit role in enabling this atrocity.
Since October, Israeli airstrikes have murdered over 41,000 Palestinians. 80 per cent of the region’s schools have been destroyed, leaving children and students without access to education for just under a year now. [1]
The blame falls on those complicit in this genocide, such as Western governments that are supplying arms and universities that provide funding to the Zionist regime.
Continuing to advocate for Gaza
In response to the ongoing genocide, organisations such as the Muslim Students for Palestine (MS4P) and the Association of Student Activism for Palestine (ASAP) are increasing their efforts to mobilise students and provide advice on how to advocate for Gaza on campus.
On this front, MS4P and ASAP are excited to announce their upcoming Student Palestine Conference, which will be held in Wembley on Saturday 14th September. [2]
This event aims to bring together Muslim students from across the UK to strengthen their activism for the Palestinian cause and equip them with the knowledge, resources, and strategies to make meaningful change on their campuses.
Organisations behind the event
MS4P and ASAP are two community-based initiatives that have been at the forefront in supporting student-led activities since Israel launched its recent genocidal campaign in Gaza.
Muslim Students for Palestine (MS4P)
Since its inception, the initiative has engaged with 17 encampments, supporting in raising awareness, mobilising support, and helping student groups put pressure on universities to agree to calls for divestment.
We have invited esteemed Islamic speakers, including Shaykh Dr. Haitham al-Haddad, Shaykh Dr. Sohail Hanif, and Ustadh Abu Haneefa, to student encampments across the country to offer guidance and encouragement.
These speakers have provided invaluable support to students advocating for Palestine, sharing wisdom on Islam, resilience, and activism.
As Shaykh Dr. Haitham al-Haddad has aptly said,
“You are not just defending the people of Gaza, you are shaping the future of humanity.”
Association of Student Activism for Palestine (ASAP)
This organisation has been supporting Palestinian activism in the university space since it was set up in 2020.
With a network of more than 40 university Palestine societies, ASAP plays a critical role in uniting, supporting, and mobilising the UK student movement for Palestinian liberation.
Some of their successes in the last six months include co-ordinating efforts between universities, supporting negotiations, and providing strategic advice for student groups and driving successful divestment campaigns resulting in high-profile agreements by university administrations.
Why is the conference so important?
MS4P and ASAP have been supporting student encampments with their efforts on university grounds.
Through the coming conference, our organisations are hoping to propel the Palestinian student movement further, by providing the tools and support students need in order to hold their universities accountable for their role in the Gaza genocide and the occupation of Palestine.
This event is a vital opportunity for Muslim students to deepen their understanding of effective advocacy for Palestine, particularly within a university setting.
MS4P and ASAP have previously provided training and mentorship to students involved in pro-Palestine activism, and this conference will extend that reach.
It will educate more students on how to advocate for Palestine safely and strategically, while avoiding legal repercussions.
Agenda for the day
The event will cover a variety of essential topics, including:
- Knowing your rights — a workshop on understanding legal protections and how to navigate advocacy safely.
- Dismantling Zionist narratives — insights into effectively countering misinformation and presenting a compelling narrative for Palestinian justice.
- Coalition-building — a session on how to collaborate with other student organisations to build a powerful, unified movement.
- Pressure tactics and escalation — strategies for intensifying advocacy efforts in a meaningful and impactful way.
In addition, the conference will feature an impressive line-up of speakers including Leanne Mohamad, Dr. Yahya Abu-Seido, and Muhammad Rabbani, all of whom bring a wealth of experience and knowledge on the Palestinian cause.
This is an event not to be missed for any Muslim student passionate about making a difference in the fight for Palestinian rights!
Be sure to sign up, share the event with others, and invite a friend to join you!
Source: Islam21c
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