Speaks Out

Nicole Guzik Third-year Jewish studies
“The entire point of (the Israeli) rally was to bring the
Jewish community together ““ not create division. The signs
that were shown were not derogatory ““ it was a demonstration
without violence, and it presented the Jewish community in a
positive light.” Ryan Smith Third-year
Political science “The protests don’t so much cause
tension as they are a result of the tension that already exists.
They may not be an entirely efficient means of debate, but if even
one person can see the opposing view, then (protest) is justified.
Protests may not be changing the nation, but at least they’re
changing perspectives one by one.” Maital
Neta Fourth-year Psychobiology “Protests would be
more effective if both sides protested on the same day. People are
only going to see one side of the story anyway, so whether that
side is completely true or completely false is irrelevant.”
Amy Bidwell Fourth-year History “I think
protest is necessary to display different viewpoints about a
controversial issue. The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians
goes beyond something that can be easily debated, so the awareness
that a protest brings is important.” Abhiman
Kaushal Professor Ethnomusicology “(Right now) I
think both sides are trying to get attention to their own causes.
There is definitely a separation because once they start protesting
in groups they become opposing factions. But as long as
they’re willing to talk at the same time, protest is always a
good thing, because debate is always a good way of achieving a
resolve.” Ben Uminsky Third-year History
“The protests are good in that it raises people’s
consciousness ““ not just the people participating in the
protests, but for the people who are driving by as well. However,
the differences between the (Israelis and Palestinians) are so
striking that of course the protests will cause division between
the two. But if it causes division, then so be it.” Speaks
out compiled by Cody Cass, Daily Bruin Contributor, and Edward
Chiao, Daily Bruin Senior Staff. Photos by Oscar Alvarez, Daily
Bruin Contributor.