Conflicting Protests Meet Downtown

By CHELSEA KEENAN, Independent Florida Alligator

The chant “am Israel chi” filled the air as about 100 people marched down University Avenue on Monday.

Their chant, which means, “The nation of Israel lives,” rang out as the rally continued down University Avenue, starting at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and ending at the Bo Diddley Community Plaza.

Participants waved signs while they walked, which read “We Stand with Israel” and “Israel wants Peace,” only to encounter another protest demanding peace on both sides.

Sandy Baum, a UF English senior, helped organize the march alongside the Lubavitch–Chabad Jewish Student and Community Center.

“I thought, we need to do something now,” she said. “We wanted Gainesville to stand up for Israel.”

Baum said they marched in support for Israel and to stand up for those who were affected by the attacks by Hamas.

UF biological engineering senior Lee Ravid said the attacks hit close to home.

Ravid was born in Israel but has attended UF for the past three years.

“(Israel) is my home,” she said. “This is where my family lives.”

Ravid also said she has friends on the front lines fighting.

“I pray for my friends who are soldiers,” she said. “They are fighting for Israel’s future and the future of this world.”

As the protesters worked their way down University, they received cheers and honks from people driving by.

“The fact that people are pro–Israel expression is a good thing,” said Rabbi Berl Goldman.

However, a different chant was heard in the distance as the pro–Israel protesters neared the plaza.

A group called United Voices for Peace waited in response to the approaching demonstration.

The diverse group of about 40 people united Muslims, Christians and Jews, who were protesting for peace and a halt to civilian casualties.

“We want peace, we want justice,” said UF senior Nadine Sfeir, a Middle Eastern studies major.

As Sfeir chanted “justice, peace, justice, peace,” tears streamed down her face.

Born in Bethlehem, Sfeir lost her home when she was young.

Her family members were refugees for 15 years before obtaining U.S. citizenship.

Sfeir said she was against the killings on both sides and wants the occupation of Israeli forces in Gaza to end.

“Gaza is a baby,” she said. “It can’t walk, it can’t talk, it can’t feed itself. And when this baby grows up, it’s going to be a monster.”

While members of the pro–Israel protest dispersed as the march ended, about 15 students stayed behind to have an open discussion with the members of United Voices for Peace.

Sfeir said the issue was not one of politics but about the loss of life.

“We’re all citizens of the world,” Sfeir said. “Once they understand, they’ll see we’re all on the same ground.”