Vigil for slain journalists in Gaza and Lebanon at Erasmus Plaza: ‘It could be a little louder’

Around fifty people gathered at Erasmus Plaza on Thursday afternoon to commemorate the journalists killed in Gaza and Lebanon.

Photos of the deceased were laid out on the ground, and flowers were placed in their memory. Two speakers gave short speeches, after which the names of journalists who have died as a result of violence in the conflict since 7 October 2023 were read out loud.

University’s responsibility

The vigil was organised by Rotterdam Student Encampment, the group that camped on Erasmus Plaza for a week and a half in May. “The university is a public institution, and it must be held accountable for its ties with Israel”, said the vigil’s spokesperson, who does not study or work at the university and did not want to be named in this article. She read a short text from an unnamed Dutch journalist, reflecting on the dilemma of whether to speak out or not in this conflict.

Supporting students

Among the attendees were several people with no formal connection to the university. However, many staff members were also present at the gathering. “I’m here to support the students. I want them to know they are not alone in their effort to seek justice”, said Gabi Helfert, Director of Educational Excellence at the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM).

Hitting close to home

One of the participants was a Lebanese exchange student, who also wished to remain anonymous for fear of negative consequences. “It’s all hitting very close to home. The lives of my friends back in Lebanon have been completely destroyed in an instant.” She doesn’t feel safe protesting at her own university in Germany, but in Rotterdam, she does: “It feels safe here. It is quiet though—it could be a bit louder.”