Academics at Yildiz Technical University in Istanbul organized a silent march to condemn Israel’s attacks on Gaza and to show support for the Palestinian people. The march, which was attended by academics from all faculties, started in front of the rectorate building. Wearing robes to represent academics and university students who have lost their lives in Palestine, the Yildiz Technical University academics carried Turkish and Palestinian flags as well as banners in Turkish and English.
After the march, the academics released black balloons into the sky to symbolize the freedom of Palestine. At the Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, students also marched in support of Palestine. The group of university students carried banners with messages such as “Free Palestine from the river to the sea” and “Stop the genocide in Gaza”, while chanting slogans against Israel and calling for an end to the attacks on Gaza.
The solidarity marches at both Yildiz Technical University and METU came in response to Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza, which have resulted in the deaths of numerous Palestinian civilians. The academics and students participating in the marches aimed to express their condemnation of the violence and show their support for the Palestinian people in their struggle for freedom and justice.
The gestures of solidarity and support for Palestine extended beyond the universities in Turkey, with people from all walks of life joining together to speak out against the violence and oppression faced by the Palestinian people. These demonstrations of solidarity reflect a growing global awareness and concern for the situation in Gaza, as the international community calls for an end to the bloodshed and a lasting solution that respects the rights and dignity of all people in the region.
As the violence continues to escalate in Gaza and the death toll rises, the calls for justice and peace become more urgent. The solidarity marches at Yildiz Technical University and METU serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice and oppression, and of the need to work together towards a future of peace, justice, and dignity for all people in the region. The voices of solidarity and support for Palestine will continue to grow louder, demanding an end to the violence and a just resolution to the longstanding conflict in the region.
