As the war between Israel and Hamas continues on, Moorpark College, as well as prominent student groups including the Jewish Club and Muslim Students Association, have responded to the ongoing violence through a collection of messages and on-campus demonstrations.
On Oct. 10, Moorpark College publicly responded to the war with an Instagram post featuring a statement from administration, as well as an image displaying the message, “Moorpark College Community In Unity.”
“Many of you may have started this week with a heavy heart after hearing news of the conflict that has erupted in Israel and Gaza. As members of a global society, we share in the grief and anguish of those affected by this tragedy, and must gather in our own communities to reinforce the importance of unity in the face of divisiveness and violence.”
Administrators acknowledged the span of “diverse voices, cultures, and perspectives” present at Moorpark College that foster a culture expanding beyond divisiveness and into collaboration. Because of this, leaders called for students to promote togetherness despite these circumstances, as personnel ranging from students, faculty and staff have all been affected by the war.
“As we keep those affected by this conflict in our hearts and minds, may we draw strength from the power inherent in our togetherness. Each act of understanding and every moment of unity propels us towards a world where peace is not just envisioned, but lived.”
The post was instantly met with online criticism about the message’s neutrality, as well as students of conflicting opinions arguing in the comments.
During the following week, social tensions became high on campus. Common collaborative hotspots, including the library, became the hub for student disputes on the topic.
Student-made signs also shortly appeared on Raider Walk on Oct. 16, displaying messages linked to contrasting sides of the war. Posters featured statements ranging from “#GazaUnderAttack” to pictures of Israeli hostages with the message “Kidnapped to Gaza.” The signs disappeared within the succeeding days.
While it is not clear who specifically removed these signs, Moorpark College Posting Policy requires that postings not directly linked to campus-based departments, programs or student clubs/organizations have an “approved for posting stamp” or else they are subject to removal.
On Oct. 17, the Moorpark College Jewish Club hosted a “Vigil for Israel” at 7 p.m. in the quad open to members of the greater community. Nearly 25 attendees viewed violin performances of Jewish songs from student musicians and read prayers of protection and safety from the Book of Psalms or “Tehillim” in Hebrew.
The vigil was also composed of several speakers prominent in the local Jewish community, including Rabbi Shimy of Chabad of Moorpark, who spoke about coming together as a Jewish People and making a difference in America through connection.
A local Moorpark College parent additionally spoke about her daughter serving in the Israel Defense Forces whose base was attacked, though she was not stationed there that day.
Naomi Feldman, the president of Moorpark College Jewish Club, expressed her personal commitment to organizing the event as a leader within the local Jewish community.
“As a student, spreading positivity and information is important, there’s a lot of misinformation and as the president of a club, it feels like my role to do something about it and show my perspective,” Feldman shared. “Many of my classmates know that I am Jewish, I am Orthodox, and I feel that it is important to me to represent my people, it has had a huge impact on me and my classmates.”
Later that week, the Muslim Students Association at Moorpark College held a “Protest for Palestine” on Raider Walk as a “public awareness and education project” on Oct. 19. Over 50 students and Moorpark College community members held signs, waved Palestinian flags and wore traditional Palestinian scarves known as “keffiyeh” during their march across campus.
The group marched from the quad area to the Performing Arts Center building chanting various phrases including, “free the people, free the land, justice is our demand” and “end end the occupation, free free free Palestine.”
At their main table, members of MSA posted signs reading, “Ask about Palestine” and invited students to learn more about Palestine’s history with Israel, as well as see current photos from Gaza. Club representatives held lengthy conversations of over 25 minutes with students with conflicting sentiments.
Lujayn Salman, a Moorpark College Muslim Students Association member, spoke about the club’s choice to approach the ongoing conflict with an educational perspective.
“We’re not here to debate, we’re not here to fight; we are just here to educate,” Salman said. “At the end of the day it’s almost impossible to change someone’s opinion, but I, as a Palestinian, as a Muslim and as a Moorpark College student, I have to do my job and my duty to educate people about what is going on.”
In light of these recent events, Student Health Center teams at Moorpark College, Oxnard College and Ventura College have released emails to VCCCD students about navigating mental health concerns.
“Our mental health providers [are] not only highly trained but also deeply compassionate, and they are available to offer grief counseling and various forms of emotional support to our students,” the Student Health Center team wrote. “Please don’t hesitate to reach out and make an appointment; we are committed to helping you through these challenging times.”
For individuals experiencing these feelings of concern, anxiety or sadness, appointments with mental health providers can be made over the phone at (805) 378-1413.
