Title: Passover Celebrated in Unlikely Spaces Amid Pro-Palestinian Protests
On the first night of Passover, the traditional Jewish holiday marking the liberation from slavery in Egypt, a unique scene unfolded at various university campuses across the country. Amidst pro-Palestinian protests and encampments, students and faculty came together to celebrate the Seder, the ceremonial meal that kicks off the holiday.
At Columbia University, about 100 students and faculty gathered in a circle around a makeshift Seder table, complete with matzo and traditional Passover foods. The group, which included both Jewish and non-Jewish participants, incorporated elements of solidarity with the Palestinian people into the ritual, such as a watermelon on the Seder plate to represent the flag of Palestine.
Similar scenes played out at other universities like Yale, where students gathered to hold a Seder in the midst of protests calling for divestment from weapons manufacturers. Organizers emphasized the connection between their Jewish identity and their support for the Palestinian cause, highlighting the importance of standing in solidarity with oppressed communities.
While some students sought a sense of community and tradition at more traditional Passover celebrations, others found meaning in blending their Jewish identity with activism for social justice. The juxtaposition of these different expressions of Judaism on campus reflects the diversity of perspectives within the Jewish community, especially in the context of ongoing political tensions in the Middle East.
As the Seder concluded with songs and reflections on the plagues of modern society, participants at these unconventional Passover gatherings demonstrated a commitment to both their religious heritage and their values of justice and liberation for all people. The echoes of the Four Questions took on new meaning in these contested spaces, where students grappled with the complexities of their identities and beliefs.
