UCLA organizations host vigil for Lebanon following airstrikes, attacks
Participants attend a vigil for Lebanon on Friday. The vigil, which was hosted by multiple UCLA organizations, was held following attacks in Lebanon carried out by the Israeli military. (Shiv Patel/Daily Bruin senior staff)
By Sam Mulick
Oct. 7, 2024 12:13 a.m.
Around 40 people attended a vigil for Lebanon in Dickson Court on Friday.
The vigil was organized by the UCLA chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine, Jewish Voice for Peace and Students Organize for Syria, along with the Middle Eastern Student Association, the Muslim Student Association, and the Southwest Asian and North African Health Alliance Club, according to an Instagram post. Framed portraits were placed on a table next to candles.
The vigil comes after the Israeli military invaded southern Lebanon on Tuesday in an offensive against Hezbollah militants, a political party and militant group, according to the Associated Press. The invasion follows weeks of airstrikes and attacks against Hezbollah by Israel, including a wave of exploding pagers and other devices that killed at least 12 people and injured thousands more, including both militants and civilians, according to AP.
At the event, which was held in a public space, organizers – including a member of the ASUCLA Communications Board – asked media personnel to leave before the vigil began, stating that it was a place for “mourning and healing.”
