Get Loud for Gaza!
On Saturday, March 16, Loyola Marymount Students for Justice in Palestine hosted “Get Loud for Gaza,” a benefit concert in a member’s backyard. The concert channeled efforts toward mutual aid in Gaza. The event featured performances by bands like Trophy Eddy, Kirkland Cig, Yard Sale, Diamond Riot, A Nose for Sally, and Volunteer Park, which drew an eager and interactive crowd. Attendees were greeted with signs supporting Gaza and a merch table offering free pamphlets explaining various perspectives on why Palestine deserves support, from LGBTQ+ viewpoints to firsthand accounts from affected individuals in Gaza.
Solia Mayo, a senior studying Psychology and Journalism and the lead singer of Trophy Eddy, reflected on the event, emphasizing the vibrant atmosphere. “It’s just the best vibe; everyone is so awesome and talented.” Such positive engagement in fundraising for a critical cause underscores the efficacy of SJPLMU’s approach.
LMU Students for Justice in Palestine (SPJLMU) was an active club on LMU’s campus until it was absolved in 2016 due to a lack of resources. Sophie Freitas, the club’s current co-president and a senior at LMU, discussed the club’s resurrection and said it all came together quickly. “This club is a national grassroots organization with over 200 organizations on over 200 campuses. It’s been at LMU twice before getting disbanded.” But after the October 7th attacks, Freitas decided it was time to bring the club back to fruition.
Since October 7th, the world has been watching in silence as innocent Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank are getting bombed and murdered, increasing rates of starvation and disease in those areas. Back in the Western world, there have been disappointing efforts to help. There have been little discussions of a ceasefire, but no action has been officially taken.
“I found some students with whom I have been in contact because, over the years, I built a very small community of people I knew on Instagram who also posted for Palestine. It’s a very small group, and you find each other early on,” Freitas stated. Six people attended the first SJPLMU E-board meeting in early January of this year, which was used as a platform to discuss the affected students’ stories. Fast-forward to today and the club meetings are averaging 50-60 attendees. This surge in engagement underscores the growing awareness and solidarity among LMU students concerned about the ongoing conflict. LMU’s response to the conflict has also been scrutinized. “It feels like LMU does not care about their students at all because if they did, they would reach out to us and try to support us in any way and not try to silence and micromanage us,” Freitas stated.
When asked about the support LMU has given those affected by the Israeli-Palestine war, Freitas sighed. “Last semester, after everything happened, it was dark. I think for a lot of us, I haven’t felt that level of grief on such a large public scale like that, and it was so hard.” Freitas found comfort through SJPLMU, and the members have truly created a secure community for events like “Get Loud for Gaza” to be safely held. “What got me through it is the people in this club, and I can channel my pain and try to do something about it,” Freitas remarked.
Mayo echoed similar sentiments regarding LMU’s response, suggesting room for improvement. “I feel like LMU could do a lot better in many ways,” she asserted, pointing towards the need for greater institutional engagement and support.
Decorated with signs, banners, and poignant quotes from Palestinian voices, the event served as a testament to the resilience and determination of the LMU community in amplifying marginalized voices.
In the face of silence and indifference, LMU students have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to justice and solidarity, ensuring that the Palestinian victims will not go unnoticed.
