By an anonymous community member
This publication was not written by the Haqq faculty.
As a Pakistani Muslim student at UNC-Chapel Hill, I've been deeply moved and saddened by the recent events on campus.
What began as a peaceful “Triangle Solidarity Encampment” for Palestine has evolved into a profound expression of solidarity and belonging within our community.
For once, I found myself struck by the outpouring of support and the sense of togetherness that permeated the encampment.
It provided a safe and rare space where individuals from diverse backgrounds came together, united by a common cause, a shared sense of empathy for a Free Palestine, and a demand for the University to disclose and divest its funding from Israeli and Israel-supporting organizations and companies.
One important memory that will forever remain engraved in my heart from the encampment is the Jummah prayer.
Amidst the tents, banners and posters that scream with messages of Palestinian resistance, the call to prayer echoed through the air, beckoning us to stand in reverence and solidarity.
As we gathered for Jummah, I felt a sense of connection with not only the Muslim Ummah but also the diverse community around us.
What struck me most during that sacred moment was the presence of non-Muslim community members who formed a protective circle around us as we prayed.
It was an amazing demonstration of tolerance and peace, highlighting how humanity transcends across religious and cultural differences.
I had a genuine sense of compassion and togetherness that day in that circle of solidarity, along with a deep feeling of gratitude and humility at realizing that we were not alone in our fight for justice.
For 4 days, the encampment stood as a symbol of peaceful resistance, a commitment to justice and the principles of freedom of speech enshrined in the First Amendment.
Despite the UNC administration’s message insinuating that the encampment’s removal restored a historic and beautiful campus, the protest neither blocked or obstructed campus pathways in that area.
I witnessed the community picking up any trash and providing snacks/resources for students passing by.
However, the actual peace was shattered into violence by the law enforcement authorities arriving the next morning, unjustly arresting students who were merely exercising their constitutional rights.
The peaceful protest on the last day of classes, April 30, was intended as a continuation of our call for justice. It turned into one of chaos and violence due to the excessive response orchestrated by Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts.
Rather than engaging in dialogue and listening to our concerns, the decision to escalate tensions by summoning law enforcement only served to inflame the situation.
This led to extreme violence coming from law enforcement, who vowed to protect the community, but instead exhibited a show of police brutality on unarmed protestors and UNC students.
I witnessed the police descending upon the scene, armed with tear gas and pepper spray.
My fellow peers, who had gathered with hopes of peacefully advocating for change, found themselves subjected to brutal and indiscriminate violence.
The scene I witnessed was nothing short of a disgrace, with police resorting to pushing a wheelchair-bound student down in the middle of the turmoil, dragging students' by the hair, and disrespecting the Palestinian flag by spitting on it.
Following such acts of violence, our community was gripped by shock and betrayal. We had come together in a sense of unity and solidarity, only to be met with aggression and hostility from those entrusted with ensuring our safety.
What a shame.
Our bonds of unity and the determination of our beliefs are what keep us going when things become difficult to handle.
The notion of resilience shines brightly in our hearts, guiding us forward on the path toward justice and equality despite the brutality and persecution we endured.
"The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy are just like one body. When any part of the body suffers, the whole body feels pain.”
These are the beautiful words I am reminded of, as a Pakistani Muslim, from our Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
Our greatest strength is found in our interconnection: the ability to withstand external pressure to split us apart as an entity.
Even if the journey ahead may be challenging, I remain confident and full of optimism.
The struggle and resistance of Palestinians are not in vain. We have within us the seeds of change and the vision of a better world and a Free Palestine.
Long live Palestine.
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