‘For every martyr that Palestine gains, another rises to take their place,’ Lance Lokas said during the ‘Nakba Day’ rally
The president of the student group that projected pro-Hamas and anti-Semitic messages onto a George Washington University library gave a powerful speech in May, glorifying Palestinian terrorist “martyrs” for their “ultimate sacrifice” and calling for violent “resistance” against Israelis. The event was captured on video.
Lance Lokas, a junior at the Washington, D.C. university, served as president of the school’s Students for Justice in Palestine chapter. During the May “Nakba Day” rally near the Washington Monument, Lokas passionately praised Palestinian “martyrs,” describing their sacrifice as a guiding light towards liberation. He defended all forms of Palestinian “resistance” and criticized those who condemn terrorism against Israel.
Lokas boldly declared, ”The more the Zionists try to extinguish the fire of resistance, the brighter it will grow. For every martyr that Palestine gains, another rises to take their place. To condemn Palestinian resistance is to demand that the Palestinian people submit passively to the daily violence of colonialism. It is a call to lie down and accept death.”
Months later, Lokas’s Students for Justice in Palestine chapter took credit for projecting pro-Hamas images onto the George Washington University library. The images included messages such as “Glory to our martyrs,” “Divestment from Zionist genocide now,” and ”Free Palestine from the river to the sea,” a phrase that calls for the Jewish state’s eradication.
While the university eventually shut down the anti-Semitic library demonstration, it took more than two hours to do so. Seven members of Congress who attended George Washington University expressed their dissatisfaction with the university’s response and called for stronger action.
Lokas, who identified himself as a “mixed-race and Arab student majoring in Photojournalism,” has been actively involved in organizing against imperialism and colonialism through Students for Justice in Palestine. He remains a vocal advocate for the liberation of Palestine and the rights of the Palestinian people.
The “Nakba Day” rally where Lokas spoke was organized by various anti-Israel and anti-Semitic groups, including American Muslims for Palestine, the Palestinian Youth Movement, and the Council on American-Islamic Relations. It is worth noting that American Muslims for Palestine has ties to Hamas, a recognized terrorist organization.
Following the library demonstration, some congressional Republicans called for the expulsion of the responsible students, emphasizing the seriousness of the genocidal messages displayed on the university building.
How should universities address the responsibility of student organizations when it comes to promoting hate speech and extremist ideologies
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In his speech, Lokas emphasized the notion that for every martyr Palestine gains, another rises to take their place. He expressed admiration for those who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the Palestinian cause, framing their actions as heroic acts of defiance against the Israeli occupation. Lokas highlighted the concept of martyrdom as a powerful symbol of resilience and determination, which inspires and motivates others to continue the fight for Palestinian freedom.
The event took place during the commemoration of “Nakba Day,” which marks the displacement and suffering of Palestinians during the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. It is a deeply significant and emotional day for Palestinians, representing their collective memory of loss and longing for justice. However, Lokas’ speech went beyond honoring the memory of those who suffered in the past and veered into endorsing violence against the Israeli people in the present.
Lokas defended all forms of Palestinian “resistance,” a term that has been used to justify acts of terrorism against Israeli civilians. He argued that such actions were a necessary response to the oppression and injustice faced by the Palestinian people. By equating acts of violence with resistance, Lokas not only justified terrorism but also undermined the efforts made towards peace and coexistence.
Furthermore, Lokas criticized those who condemn terrorism, accusing them of ignoring the suffering and grievances of the Palestinian people. He failed to recognize that condemning terrorist acts does not equate to disregarding the legitimate struggles of Palestinians. Condemning violence is a stand against the targeting of innocent civilians, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity. By dismissing any critique of terrorism as an invalidation of the Palestinian experience, Lokas ignores the importance of dialogue and peaceful solutions.
By projecting pro-Hamas and anti-Semitic messages onto a university library, Lokas and his student group used their platform to spread hateful ideologies. The act of projecting such messages on a respected educational institution undermines the principles of tolerance, understanding, and academic freedom that universities should uphold. It also creates a hostile environment for Jewish students and perpetuates harmful stereotypes and prejudices.
This speech and the actions of Lokas and his group raise important questions about the limits of free speech and the responsibility of student organizations. While universities should protect and encourage diverse opinions and discussions, hate speech and the endorsement of terrorism should not be tolerated. Universities must take a stand against such ideologies and take appropriate actions to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
Addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict requires open and honest dialogue, empathy, and a commitment to non-violence. Glorifying terrorism and advocating for violence are counterproductive to achieving lasting peace and only perpetuate the cycle of violence and suffering. It is essential for individuals, especially those in influential positions, to understand the complexities of the conflict and promote constructive and peaceful approaches to resolution.
In conclusion, Lance Lokas’ speech during the May “Nakba Day” rally at George Washington University glorified Palestinian “martyrs” and endorsed violent resistance against Israelis. His words represent a dangerous acceptance and promotion of terrorism, which undermines the pursuit of peace and coexistence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It also highlights the need for universities to take a firm stance against hate speech and extremist ideologies to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
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