CSB+SJU needs to speak out for Palestine

On Tuesday, Oct. 7, Father Jerome Tupa sat outside the Quad with a painting that read “Save Palestine.” Amid a global humanitarian crisis and rising political tensions, his message felt like a call to action. When I approached him and asked what students at CSB+SJU could do to make a difference, he stated “raise consciousness about genocide and our government’s complicity.”

He clarified that while many Jewish people may feel a strong personal or cultural connection to Israel, it’s important to distinguish between a people and a government. Just as in the United States, a nation’s policies
often don’t reflect the will or values of its citizens.

As his words sank in, I realized that through my role as CSBSJU’s social media assistant, I had both the platform and the opportunity to help raise awareness. I asked to take a photo and planned to share it on the university’s official Instagram story.

I contemplated the implications of my actions in terms of my employment position. But later that day, as we discussed Benedictine values, the common good, and the role of monastics in shaping our campus culture, it became clear: sharing the image was one small but meaningful way to act on Fr. Jerome’s words.

I spoke with several classmates, friends, and members of the CSBSJU community. Most acknowledged the humanitarian crisis, but there was a shared concern that the post might upset administration. That
shared hesitation only confirmed that posting it was necessary, even if it risked my job.

I was not surprised when just 45 minutes later, the post was flagged, deleted, and removed from the archive. In protest, I reposted CSB+SJU Library’s post about media censorship. Shortly after, I received a message on behalf of Marketing and Communication explaining that the post had to be taken down and we must be “very careful.” That response only deepened my frustration. A topic as serious as genocide should never be considered “too controversial” to acknowledge.

I now urge CSB+SJU to reflect on our inaction and speak out against what is so clearly wrong. While it may seem like we can’t make change as individuals, our collective voice is powerful and will be heard.

Join me for a walkout on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m., one month before Palestine’s Independence Day. Let’s gather in front of the Quad to demand peace and solidarity. I hope we’ll be joined by Fr. Jerome and members of our monastic communities. If you can’t attend, please speak up in class, engage in dialogue and live out our Benedictine values of peace, listening and respect for persons.