Inside Irvine protests for ceasefire in Palestine

When driving next to the Alton Parkway and Culver Drive Intersection near Woodbridge High School these days, you might see hundreds of protesters waving both Israeli and Palestinian flags. You can hear chanting, yelling, and honking on the usually quiet street. You can see varying ages across your car window, from young children to seniors, all fighting for a ceasefire. However, Israel and Palestine are currently at war in the Middle East, so why would supporters from both countries be protesting together on this urban street? 

The motive behind this protest was about both sides wanting to save innocent lives and end the war’s detrimental effects on the Palestinian population. They are fighting for peace and for a ceasefire, which would then begin to end the targeting of civilians. 

Photo of Irvine protestor holding a large sign that reads “Israel Bombs, your taxes pay” (Courtesy of Sadik Premjee and Fatana Hakeem)

Many are familiar with the war happening overseas across the United States between Israel and Palestine. But still, many aren’t. On October 7, 2023, Hamas, also known as the Islamic Resistance Movement, attacked and killed about 1,200 people in Israel located near the Gaza Strip. This was the first open attack by Hamas in years. 

Mohammed Deif, Hamas’s military leader, stated that the assault was undertaken because of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian lands and its alleged crimes against Muslims, including the desecration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by declaring war against Hamas. Israel then launched rocket fire on Gaza and began a ground assault. 

In Palestine, access to electricity, water, and necessities has been cut off by Israel. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, at least 22,835 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed as of January 2024. As of November 6, about 4,000 children had been killed in Gaza. About 80% of Gaza’s 2.1 Million residents depend on humanitarian aid and relief from the United Nations and UNRWA. The economy in Gaza is devastated and could potentially take years to recover. 

To many Americans, the numbers of this war don’t directly impact them, but for communities across the country that have friends and family, the war is very real. America is mainly divided in its response to the war, with the Biden administration supporting Israel and many others supporting humanitarian aid for Palestine.

 In an interview with Sadik Premjee, a student at Northwood High School who participated in the protests, he stated many of his personal opinions and hopes for the future. He also shared his experience about the community standing in solidarity with the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine. 

Q: ​​How was the overall experience of going to the protest? Any mixed feelings or strong feelings of resolve and peace?

Sadik: Honestly, I had really mixed feelings. One part of me was so excited to put myself out there and show others how much this impacts many of us in Irvine, while this other side of me was a bit scared because of all the trolling and negativity that has been spread through the media. After I went to the protest, I saw how peaceful and safe it was, and it felt good to be a part of something that raised awareness.

Q: ​​How was the overall experience of going to the protest? Any mixed feelings or strong feelings of resolve and peace?

Sadik: Honestly, I had really mixed feelings. One part of me was so excited to put myself out there and show others how much this impacts many of us in Irvine, while this other side of me was a bit scared because of all the trolling and negativity that has been spread through the media. After I went to the protest, I saw how peaceful and safe it was, and it felt good to be a part of something that raised awareness. 

(Photo of Sadik holding a “Free Palestine” sign outdoors at the protest, courtesy of Sadik Premjee and Fatana Hakeem) 

Joshua: What would you like to see happen if the two countries had a ceasefire and started settling for peace?

Sadik: I would like to see both countries start to coexist peacefully, and Palestine can also exist independently and be recognized without any discrimination, prejudice or exclusion of any sort. I think it’s important for there to be responsibility and accountability for all of the damage and destruction that has been inflicted, and the international community should come together to help Palestinians rebuild their country.

Joshua: Did you happen to see any Israeli Flags being waved with Palestinian flags at the protest? If so, what were your thoughts on the solidarity between the two communities?

Sadik: I did not see any Israeli flags waved with Palestinian flags, but I would like to envision and one day see a world where solidarity exists between the two communities.

Despite being only a high schooler and having mixed feelings about the protest, Sadik has joined and continues to fight for what he believes is right. He is fighting for a world where Palestine and Israel would have solidarity and no longer experience discrimination and prejudice against each other. Without being swayed by the opinions of the media and the community, individuals like Sadik aspire for a future where humanity can rebuild and coexist. 

Recently, at the Irvine City Council, protesters across different ethnic backgrounds all joined together and called for the council members to support a ceasefire and to stop supporting Israeli war propaganda. They were also there to fight for basic community issues, such as tackling the increased bullying and oppression targeted toward Middle Eastern students. Members such as Sadik and many more within the Irvine community individually attended and made public speeches at the Irvine City Council meetings to gain broader support for a ceasefire resolution.

(Photo of protesters holding signs in the audience at the Irvine City Council, courtesy of Sadik Premjee and Fatana Hakeem ) 

Across the country, thousands of college students on campuses have taken a stand to support a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine and to bring change and awareness to their communities. Despite receiving pushback, people continue protesting and standing together in solidarity to make a difference in society and bring visibility to a war unknown to many or that many are turning a deliberate blind eye to.