Peoria for Palestine responds to the cancellation of a mental health event for Palestinians by Bradley University over accusations of anti-Semitism.
A Bradley University mental health student organization called Active Minds partnered with Peoria for Palestine in February to hold a “Mindful Solidarity” event to address the mental health needs of Palestinians on campus. The event was successful.
Active Minds & Peoria for Palestine planned to hold a follow-up event on April 6th. But, the date was denied because a Dustin Lynch concert was scheduled for the same day. This would have stretched Bradley’s campus safety thin.
When Active Minds’ President, Gabi Necastro reached out to Student Activities to reschedule, she was told by Student Activities Director Caro Wood the University had received three complaints regarding Peoria for Palestine accusing them of being an anti-Semitic organization.
Necastro was told by Wood that “it would be unwise proceeding further with Peoria for Palestine,” lest Active Minds and the entirety of Bradley University be labeled anti-Semitic. Wood did not provide Necastro any examples of Peoria for Palestine’s alleged anti-Semitism or any anti-Semitism which occurred at the February event.
After Agitation Rising’s original reporting on these accusations was published, Peoria for Palestine has responded with the following statement:
On April 6th, Peoria for Palestine, in collaboration with Active Minds at Bradley University, had a scheduled event “Mindful Solidarity Part 2.” This event aimed to provide a platform for mental health check-ins, particularly in light of the ongoing atrocities committed against the people of Palestine and Gaza. Additionally, the event aimed to ease the stress and pain of the participants over the overwhelming death toll in Gaza that exceeded 35,000 due to indiscriminate bombings and targeted killings of innocent men, women, and children.
We were informed of a scheduling conflict on the 6th of April. When attempting to reschedule, we were disheartened and disturbed to hear that the event will be cancelled. The reason given was an unfounded and baseless accusation of our group of antisemitism by Bradley University administration. We were deeply dismayed by these false allegations that lead to the cancellation of an event aimed at compassion and love.
We want to make it unequivocally clear that Peoria for Palestine does not condone any form of anti-Semitism. Our cause is not religious; it is a humanitarian one. We stand against the atrocities committed by the Israeli government against the Palestinian population and advocate for peace, justice, and an end to violence.
It is important to note that being pro-Palestinian does not by any means equate to being anti-Semitic. Palestinians themselves are Semitic people, and multiple Jewish organizations and religious sects are also vocal in their opposition to the brutal Israeli occupation of the Palestinian people. Therefore, labeling us as anti-Semitic is not only inaccurate but also ironic.
The purpose of collaborating with Active Minds was to create a safe environment for those dealing with grief and trauma during these difficult times. We wanted to come together as a community to provide support, engage in open dialogue, and find solace through music and companionship.
However, the accusations of anti-Semitism led to the undermining of our efforts. This incident highlights a broader issue of suppression of free speech and advocacy for Palestine, which is becoming prevalent on many college campuses. It is disheartening to see that even creating a safe space for Palestinians and their supporters is met with unjust and vicious attacks.
Despite the setback, Peoria for Palestine remains steadfast in our commitment to advocating for the Palestinian cause and standing against injustice. We will continue to work towards peace, justice, and liberation of the oppressed. We sincerely urge everyone with an ounce of humanity in their hearts to join us in advocating for justice and freedom for those who are voiceless and oppressed.
Bradley University Administration has not responded to a request for comment.
