Dozens of protesters gathered in Downtown San Luis Obispo on Thursday evening to observe Nakba Day, a commemoration of the estimated 750,000 Palestinians displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
The word Nakba, which translates to "catastrophe" in Arabic, is used to describe the mass displacement and loss experienced by Palestinians during that period.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to call for peace.
Participants waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans such as “Free, Free, Free Palestine” at the corner of Monterey and Osos streets. They cited reports that say over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since 2023, and demanded transparency from local institutions regarding their ties to the Israeli military.
A focal point of the protest was Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong. In response to congressional criticism over his handling of campus protests related to the Gaza conflict, Armstrong established an antisemitism task force. However, some students and community members argue that this does not address the broader issues at hand.
“With this antisemitism task force, it’s only tackling one part of the hate; it’s not tackling the root of it, that being white supremacy, which harms students of color like me and queer students like me,” said Cal Poly student Eman Castillo.
In a statement, Cal Poly affirmed its commitment to denouncing racism and discrimination in all forms and emphasized its dedication to maintaining a supportive environment for all campus community members.
The Nakba Day protest is part of a broader national movement, where pro-Palestinian rallies have been held to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza and to call for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel. The demonstrations reflect growing concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the role of U.S. foreign policy in the region.
As the situation continues to evolve, local communities remain engaged in dialogue and activism, seeking to address the complex issues surrounding Israel's war in Gaza, and its impact on both global and local levels.
