Cambridge students gathered in a solemn assembly on Tuesday, May 28th, to pay homage to the lives lost in the recent airstrikes on Rafah. The strikes, which occurred on May 26th and continued on May 27th, resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 45 displaced individuals, according to reports from the Guardian.
In response to these devastating events, Cambridge For Palestine organized a silent vigil held on King’s Parade, drawing attention to the plight of those affected by the ongoing conflict. The gathering, which saw participation from over 300 protestors, included moments of quiet reflection and a symbolic act of inscribing the names of the deceased on banners carried throughout the procession.
The vigil’s significance was further underscored by the poignant silence observed for two minutes and 34 seconds, representing the passage of time since the conflict escalated on October 7th. Despite the somber atmosphere, the spirit of solidarity was palpable as students stood together in support of peace and justice for Palestine.
While efforts for reconciliation between Cambridge University and protesting students are underway, tensions remain unresolved. The encampment outside King’s College, symbolizing the demand for transparency and divestment, serves as a tangible reminder of the urgency for action amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
As Cambridge stands in solidarity with the victims of the Rafah airstrikes, the vigil serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of its student community to advocate for peace, justice, and humanitarian principles on a global scale.
