YM Masood, a 20-year-old political science major at the University of Illinois Chicago, has been actively participating in pro-Palestinian rallies in the city, often attending weekly demonstrations and even protesting twice in a day. These rallies have become a significant part of Masood’s life, as he volunteers as a marshal to help organize and maintain order during larger protests. The main message conveyed by Masood and other protesters during these demonstrations is a call to end the war and to stop sending aid to Israel.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has become a critical issue for Masood and his generation, similar to how the Vietnam War and South Africa’s apartheid system impacted previous generations. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 40,000, and the violence has resulted in the destruction of homes and devastating losses for families on both sides. A majority of college students, as indicated by a national Harvard Youth Poll, support a permanent cease-fire in the Middle East and express sympathy for both the Palestinian and Israeli people, while criticizing their respective governments and Hamas.
For Masood, his involvement in activism is personal, as he feels a duty to continue the work of his late uncle who also protested in support of Palestinians. His parents, while concerned about his safety and future, understand his passion and support his activism to a certain extent. Masood acknowledges the risks involved, such as potential job loss or online harassment, but he is committed to balancing his activism with his education and future career goals.
Participating in protests against the backdrop of the Democratic National Convention, Masood and other demonstrators directed their focus towards issues such as the Middle East conflict, abortion rights, and immigrant rights. While some groups engaged in confrontations with police, the majority of protesters marched peacefully, advocating for policy changes and holding the government accountable. Masood, serving as a marshal at these events, recognized the importance of peaceful protest as a means to drive policy shifts and create awareness.
Masood’s disillusionment with the two-party system in the United States has led him to support the Green Party candidate, Jill Stein, in the upcoming presidential election. Despite his lack of enthusiasm for the electoral process, Masood believes in the power of peaceful protest and activism to bring about change. He views his first presidential vote as a form of protest, emphasizing the need for ongoing advocacy and mobilization, regardless of the election outcome.
As the conflict in the Middle East continues and political tensions escalate, Masood remains committed to voicing his concerns through peaceful protest and activism. Alongside fellow demonstrators and organizers, he believes in the power of collective action to influence policy decisions and advocate for justice. Despite the challenges and risks involved, Masood sees his activism as a necessary expression of his beliefs and values, rooted in compassion and a desire for a more just and equitable society.
