Jordanian university students rally in solidarity with Gaza

AMMAN — Amid the ongoing Israeli aggression against Gaza, students at Jordanian universities are standing up, voicing their solidarity with Gazans and calling for an immediate endto the war.

Public and private universities across the Kingdom have released official statements regarding their position on the current situation in Gaza, condemning Israeli aggression against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Speaking with The Jordan Times, Higher Education Ministry’s Spokesperson Muhannad Al Khatib said that “having a clear system for carrying out partisan activities on campus is what guarantees free expression in higher education institutions, particularly at such a critical time”.

Jordanian students and faculty have always demonstrated a “great patriotic sense”, and during the past few weeks, their national sentiment has surged, according to Al Khatib, who said that private and official rallies and marches have been organised since October 7.

In the days and weeks following the start of the Israeli incursion on Gaza, higher education institutions have shown support for Palestinians in Gaza through their campus radio stations, student groups, social media platforms and official websites, Jordanian Professor Hussein Khozahe said.

Aside from official statements released by local higher education institutions, one of the more direct efforts to support Gazans has been the organisation of solidarity sit-ins and marches on campus.

“Various student groups have been organising solidarity gatherings in support of the people in Gaza... Palestine is a central topic that students never stop talking about,” Jordanian Associate Professor Duaa Eid told The Jordan Times.

Students have been holding Palestinian flags and pro-Palestine placards reading “Save Gaza”, “Free Gaza” and “We Stand with Palestine”, Eid said.

In some universities, like the University of Jordan and the Jordan University of Science and Technology, the Deanship of Student Affairs organised solidarity vigils during which participants performed absentee prayers for thesouls of the martyrs of Palestine. Similarly, a solidarity marched have been organised at Zarqa University, Amman Arab University and other institutions.

“There are many ways to show our support for the people of Gaza and we believe that as students, showing the world we are aware of what is happening is the right thing to do,” Joud Manaseer, a university student told The Jordan Times. “We are the voices of Gazan students.” 

There has been strong support and sympathy for Gaza in all Jordanian faculties whether from students or faculty personnel, Noor Manaseer, an associate researcher at a public university in Amman, said. 

Manaseer said that “every one expressed their support, while respecting the rules of the university”.

In addition, University of Petra students and university staff gathered to pray for the victims of Gaza. Princess Sumaya University for Technology, initiated the “Our Hearts with Gaza” relief campaign, in collaboration with the Royal Scientific Society and the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organisation.