Dear Editor,
As someone who has an admittedly small stake in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and who often comes down on the Israeli side of issues, I'd like to commend the student group that organized last Wednesday's event on the steps of the campus center. It was well run, respectful and powerful.
With all the different groups on campus vying for attention and the occasional stories of student-activists crossing the line and becoming belligerent in their actions, the pro-Palestine demonstration last Wednesday stands as an example of what activism can and should look like.
It drew attention to an important cause, it sparked debate around campus and it did so in a way that proved respectfulness and passion can work together.
Tufts certainly isn't lacking in opinionated students but, far too often, dialogue is squashed by excessive zeal. Last Wednesday's demonstration proved that the two don't have to be mutually exclusive.
I look forward to seeing more demonstrations like these in the future.
Sincerely,
Zach Merchant
Class of 2017
