KENT, Ohio — Oct. 7 marks one year since the attack on Israel by Hamas in which more than a thousand people were murdered.
Kent State University student Parker Heller said he had family in Israel when it all unfolded.
“I had a cousin in Israel along with her 1-year-old daughter and husband during the time of the attack,” said Heller. “They were in a bomb shelter, so we didn’t know if they were living or dead. My grandma was really worried.”
Heller said his family was safe that day.
This is a region that has been riddled with death and destruction since, including tens of thousands of people killed in Gaza.
It’s a reality Kent State student Youssra Abdrabou said is felt around the world.
“It’s innocent civilians that are dying, that are being killed,” Abdrabou said. “I think whether you’re here or over there, everyone is living in fear. I know people who have family there. I know people even in the West Bank that have been raided.”
One unique aspect of this war is that it comes in the social media era. Both Abdrabou and Heller said social media has played a role in shaping people’s perceptions of the war.
In some cases, leading to greater transparency.
“We are seeing what is happening right there and then,” said Abdrabou. “The power of live streaming something, when you have those pictures and everyone is seeing it for themselves, more people learn about it. More people are able to grasp what is happening.”
In other cases, social media can lead to falsehoods or misinformation going viral.
“I feel like when people see one thing on social media, they’re quick to choose sides,” Heller said. “It might not even be true. They just see it and jump to one side or the other, which is a little scary. I wish people looked at their history instead of looking at an Instagram post and deciding which side is right and wrong.”
Abdrabou represents Students for Justice in Palestine on campus. She said she has seen the organization’s voice grow over time.
“We have been able to start building a student coalition,” said Abdrabou. “We’ve been educating about it [the war].”
During this time, Heller said he has felt supported by the Jewish community on campus through Hillel.
“It allows me to express my thoughts clearly and actually talk about this because if I talk about Israel anywhere else on campus, people will give me looks,” said Heller. “Having Hillel on campus is really beneficial for every one of us. It makes us feel welcome. It makes us feel safe.”
Recent months have been marked by failed negotiations between the Israelis and Hamas. All the while, one thing both Heller and Abdrabou said they want to see is war and the loss of life that comes with it to end.
“I want this war to end, but I don’t think that will happen until Hamas brings the hostages home,” said Heller. “Now, that it’s been a year, I want the hostages to return home.”
“I want a permanent ceasefire,” said Abdrabou. “How many more people do we need to be killed? Where are we going to draw that line where we stop this?”
Multiple events are scheduled this week at Kent State University to remember the victims and those who are being held hostage.
On Oct. 7, multiple organizations including Hillel will host a memorial program on campus. Students For Justice in Palestine said they plan to hold a candlelight vigil on Thursday, Oct. 10.