On Monday, March 30, Drew’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine unveiled the “Israeli Apartheid Wall,” a set of panels painted with statistics about what have been recognized by many international human rights organizations as war crimes committed by the State of Israel in the Gaza Strip. The wall was set up outside the Ehinger Center on the patio area close to the building’s windows.
The wall serves as a stark reminder of what SJP terms “Israel’s apartheid policy on Palestinians,” and gives readers and viewers an opportunity to “learn about Palestinian history and their struggle.”
The wall comes on the heels of SJP hosting a “night of Palestinian movie and snacks” on March 26, where a documentary to bring awareness to the killing of Hind Rajab, a 6-year-old Palestinian girl, was screened. Since it was unveiled, the wall has attracted many visitors who paused to read the sobering facts emblazoned on each panel.
The facts include a definition of apartheid, a map of “Disappearing Palestine” over time (showing Israel’s annexation of more and more of the Strip from 1948 until now), an estimate of total deaths (over 187,000) and a list of countries who still provide tools to Israel despite its actions in Gaza – among others.
The wall remained on the Ehinger Center patio for many days, though it is no longer available to be seen today. More information is available at SJP events and on its Instagram page, @drewsjp.
Sabr Keres-Siddiqui is a junior majoring in political science minoring in sociology and anthrpology.
