In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, students from Siirt University have continued their support for Palestine by maintaining a week-long tent vigil themed “Gaza Tent.”

This initiative, which aims to raise awareness and show unwavering support for the Palestinian people, has now been handed over to members of the International Student Community.

The vigil, a blend of activism and spirituality, included night prayers, worship, melodies, and anthems. Students used these activities to express their solidarity with Gaza and criticize the West and the USA for what they perceive as double standards regarding the situation in Gaza. They accused these countries of hypocrisy, highlighting that while they often champion democracy, human rights, and freedom, they remain silent in the face of ongoing massacres in Gaza.

Bilal Tan, President of the Siirt International Student Association (SUDER), emphasized the significance of these activities in showcasing the support of young people for the Palestinian cause. “We have taken over the tent vigil organized with the theme of ‘Gaza Tent’ today,” Tan remarked. “This event was organized at Siirt University to ensure that the protests initiated by university students in the West and the USA are also present in our country.”

Tan did not hold back in his condemnation of Western nations. He stated: “The hypocritical policies of the USA and the West in the Gaza events revealed their real faces like litmus paper. Those who present themselves as the defenders of democracy, human rights, freedom, animal rights, and women's rights showed us how they failed in humanity while massacres were taking place in Gaza.” He highlighted the insufficient response from Muslim countries and called for greater sensitivity and action, stressing that the Palestinian issue is a matter of global human concern, not just a Muslim one.

Hamza Ahmet, representing the Siirt University International Student Community Ğars team, also spoke passionately about the significance of the tent vigil and the role of youth in supporting Gaza. “We will spend this night as a night of worship, keeping watch until the morning with our prayers and tahajjud prayers,” Ahmet said. “The protests in Europe and America made us happy. Seven months ago, we would never have believed that students in Europe and the USA would come out against the system and the massacre in Gaza. However, 7 October was a turning point.”

Ahmet further elaborated on the broader impact of this turning point, noting that it reminded Muslims and non-Muslims alike of the importance of the Palestinian cause. “With the 7 October incident, Muslims remembered that this cause is a common cause not only for Palestinians but for all Muslims. It reminded everyone, not just Muslims. Thanks to Allah, the youth in America and the West supported and embraced this cause.”

He called for continued action from youth worldwide, urging them to keep up the momentum. “The human rights, women's rights, and democracy of the USA and the West are a lie. Inshallah, the future is ours. The future belongs to Muslims, not Jews or infidels.”

The tent vigil at Siirt University is part of a broader effort to raise awareness and support for Gaza, reflecting the students’ commitment to the Palestinian cause. They are determined to send a message of solidarity and resilience, showing that the plight of the Palestinians is not forgotten and that their struggle is supported across the globe.

This event also aimed to echo the protests initiated by university students in the West and the USA, showing that similar sentiments are strong in Turkey. The students harshly criticized the double standard attitude of Western countries and the USA towards the events in Gaza, emphasizing that those who tout themselves as champions of democracy, human rights, and freedom are failing to act when these principles are most needed.

Bilal Tan pointed out the broader implications of their vigil, linking it to the struggles of other oppressed Muslim communities around the world. “God willing, through these events, a leader like Saladin will emerge and liberate Jerusalem and Palestinian lands,” he said. “Our agenda is currently Gaza, but Muslims in Arakan and East Turkistan continue to be persecuted. Persecution still continues in many Muslim lands. We should not forget these regions and put them on our agenda. The hypocritical behaviour and actions of the West in Islamic lands should always be on our minds. Thus, we can determine our attitude and clearly reveal our stance.”

Hamza Ahmet emphasized the transformative impact of the 7 October incident, noting that it was a pivotal moment not just for Muslims but for all people. He reiterated the importance of continued activism and solidarity, both locally and internationally. “Inshallah, the future belongs to Muslims. With our actions here, we want to express that we are with the Palestinian Mujahideen, that we support them, that we are with them. However, at the same time, we ask the youth in America and the West to continue their actions.”

In conclusion, the students' vigil at Siirt University stands as a testament to their dedication to the Palestinian cause. It reflects a broader call to action for all who believe in justice and human rights, urging a united front against oppression and for the liberation of Palestinian lands. (ILKHA)