ATLANTA — On Tuesday, a group of faith-based leaders held a press conference on Emory’s campus following days of protests. The conversation comes as those in the community wait on a no-confidence vote against Emory University’s president on his handling of Thursday’s protest.
The group known as Atlanta’s Multi-faith Coalition for Palestine discussed last week’s protests on Emory’s campus, which included 28 arrests of both Emory faculty, students, and non-Emory students.
“These students have taken a courageous stance against unjust and disproportionate use of force that has resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent people, including women and children,” said Imam Nadim Ali.
The group is asking school leaders to denounce the violence that occurred on Thursday by dropping all charges against those who were detained. They’re also asking colleges across the state to divest in Israel, as well as urging President Joe Biden not to speak at Morehouse College until he publicly supports a ceasefire.
“We’re asking for justice, divestment, and we’re asking for you to drop the charges,” said another faith leader who was in attendance.
The conversation comes as the Jewish Holiday of Passover comes to an end. For many practicing Jews, like Nofar Shablis, the owner of Ali’s Cookies near Emory’s campus, the week has been filled with mixed emotions.
“It’s always a bit hard and painful to celebrate Jewish holidays because our hearts are in pain because of what’s happening in Israel and in the world. It seems like sometimes the whole world is going crazy,” Shablis explained.
Passover commemorates the redemption from slavery of the Jewish people. Some Jews like Shablis, who experienced antisemitism attacks as recently as last week, say this Passover has been tough.
“There was a person who vandalized the back of the store, and he tried to cover the camera with paint. We’ve been through a lot. We’ve received emails and threats and lots of hate,” she said.
The business owner adds that she’s also lost thousands in canceled orders over the last week.
“(They’re) canceling the events of the graduation because of what is happening,” Shablis continued.
She said that despite the hardships her business and family have faced recently, she will continue to showcase the Star of David in her store.
“I believe we need to stand strong and be united even if it's hard right now,” added Shablis.