Jewish and Muslim people pray together at U of G pro-Palestine encampment

June 10, 2024 @ 11:05 amNews

Community Shabbat services took place at the University of Guelph on May 24, May 31 and June 7. The services were held at the pro-Palestine encampment on campus, known as the People's Plaza, and hosted by Independent Jewish Voices Guelph. Attendees included university students and Muslim and Jewish community members. Photos by Robin George
The encampment includes about 30 tents set up within a fenced-in area, including a kitchen tent, library tent, and tent with fidget toys, craft supplies, blankets and water bottles.
Camp rules include no discrimination (including antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism or homophobia) and no taking photos showing people’s faces. The students are set to stay until the university agrees to six terms – including divesting from all arms, defense, and military contractors and “companies directly complicit in genocide.”
U of G alumni have penned an open letter in solidarity with the People's Plaza that amplifies the student's 'demands for full divestment from all companies participating in the ongoing occupation of Palestine and current genocide in Gaza.' The letter had 594 signatures as of June 14.

GUELPH – Independent Jewish Voices Guelph held Shabbat celebrations at a University of Guelph encampment in support of Palestine on May 24, May 31 and June 7.

On May 24, the interfaith evening included about 50 students and community members singing, praying, and sharing challah, soup, falafel and hummus.

Shabbat blessings were spoken in Hebrew, and students knelt with Jewish and Muslim community members, pressing their palms and foreheads on a tarp covering the ground during an Islamic Asr prayer.

The evening ended with laughter and cheering as Jewish children led students in cartwheels and races across the courtyard.

Reporter