On the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks, SAJP held a vigil to remember Gazans who died in the two years since. People from across San Antonio, including Trinity’s own Students for Justice in Palestine (TSJP), Democratic Socialists of America and Jewish Voice for Peace gathered in San Pedro Springs Park to remember the dead and advocate for Palestinian rights.
Among the attendees was Al Staggs, former performing artist and minister who led the nearby Woodland Baptist Church. Staggs said he was committed to visiting the vigil, as he’s long been active in the cause of upholding human rights and peace.
“My wife saw an advertisement, and I thought, ‘I can’t miss this,’” Staggs said. “Because this really is a heartbreaker, and it reminds me a lot of Germany in the 30s and 40s. I hope at the very least there will be a ceasefire and then, of course, a release of the hostages.”
A number of students from the Trinity student body came to participate in the vigil. Most came from TSJP, but others from around the community also came to memorialize the deceased and condemn the bloodshed. The faculty advisor for TSJP, Department Chair of Philosophy Judith Norman, was also in attendance. Norman said she has a personal passion in advocating for the Palestinian cause as a Jewish person, and has been assisting in setting up the event since last year.
“I can’t help but have a sense of shame that Judaism is implicated, and it infuriates me,” Norman said. “It really heartens me to see students exercising their awareness of this issue and bringing them into a solidarity of feeling with the Palestinian cause.”
A silent audience listened as a speaker went through a letter reading, tears temporarily halting her words. The vigil was a way for the attendees to both honor and mourn the deaths. As the events in Gaza continue to unfold, vigils to mourn the dead may continue.
