Far Eastern University (FEU) student-led initiative ‘Tamaraws for Palestine’ encouraged the FEU community to be part of the solidarity for Palestinians by participating in the discussion and their causes through a mini booth located at Pavilion 1 last Friday, June 21.  

The members sold stickers and distributed brochures with information about Palestine to raise awareness within the green-and-gold community.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Tamaraws for Palestine expressed their interest in extending awareness to the FEU community about multi-sectoral struggles, especially regarding the United States (US) and Israel’s genocide in Palestine.

“Gusto namin na lumawak ‘yung reach namin sa Tamaraw community, mag-engage talaga sila, sumali sa mga discussions, sumali sila sa mga protests (We want to expand our reach within the Tamaraw community, encourage them to engage, join the discussions, join the protests),” they shared.

The group also said that US-Israel’s genocide in Palestine is similar to the Philippine territory disputes, urging the youth to participate in conversations on national sovereignty in light of China’s aggression on Filipino fishermen and troops in the West Philippine Sea.

“Tayong mga Pilipino, controlled din tayo ng malalaking mga bansa at gusto natin na labanan din ‘yan, kasabay ng paglaban natin sa pagpapalaya ng ibang bayan ay pagpapalaya din ng bayan natin (We Filipinos are also controlled by big countries, and we want to resist that, alongside our battle for the freedom of other countries is the battle to free our country as well),” they stated.

Tamaraws for Palestine started only as a group of four people and launched their Facebook page last June 14 after being inspired by the other existing pro-Palestine groups from various universities and cities.

The genocide in Palestine, as reported by Al Jazeera, has reached casualties of at least 37,598 Palestinian deaths, more than 86,032 injuries, and around 10,000 missing, as of June 23.

- Cassandra Luis J. De Leon

(Photo courtesy of Tamaraws For Palestine)