Courtesy of Lauren Clarice Cross

The conflict in Gaza has resulted in catastrophic damage miles away from the steps of Marquette Hall, but for students like Hiba Elaasar, the effects can be felt here at Loyola.

“I changed my mind and chose Loyola over Tulane at the last minute in case the conflict would flare up like this again,” Elaasar, biochemistry senior, president of the Muslim Student Association, and first-generation Indian-Egyptian American, said. “I see the Palestinians as my brothers and sisters.”

Elaasar was classmates with Palestinian refugees in elementary school and said the current conflict makes her sympathize particularly for the young children living through it.

“Now, when I think about it, I feel my chest tighten — kids as young as 9, 10 would recount these gut-wrenching anecdotes about stray bullets coming through the walls and windows, of family members dying in front of them, of being detained by Israeli soldiers,” she said.

Topher Danial, English Writing senior, editor of The Maroon, and a first generation Arab-American whose family are Palestinian citizens of Israel, says the conflict is a very complicated matter.

“It’s never so black and white that you completely agree with one side — sort of like the way we choose the political party that more closely aligns with our beliefs, while not necessarily always agreeing with the majority opinion of that party,” he said.

Elaasar said that many elements of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict are largely unaddressed in American discourse on the matter.

“To say that there is much, much more to the conflict than meets the eye would be an understatement,” she said. “It’s a product of nearly a hundred years of dirty politics and secret deals.”

Israh AbuMousa, psychology senior and first-generation Palestinian-American, said part of her frustration about the conflict stems from American news coverage.

“My greatest frustration is knowing that when I’m watching the news, I’m watching a biased news,” she said.

AbuMousa said the way Hamas is portrayed by the media is one example of the bias presented.

“Everyone refers to Hamas as a terrorist organization in Gaza,” she said. “Did you know Hamas is actually the government in Gaza? The people of Gaza voted for them.”

William Quigley, professor of law at Loyola and human rights attorney, said the media coverage is reflective of American politics and suggests that anyone who wants to learn about the conflict does so independently.

“The media in the U.S. is very pro-Israel, just like the U.S. government. People who want to know what is going on must look carefully at global media and research the actual facts,” Quigley said. “Be independent thinkers.  Do your research.  Look at this from a human rights perspective.”

AbuMousa said that younger generations approach the conflict differently.

“We’re not going to stand back and let people who assume they know better than us make the laws, treaties, and rules that define us,” AbuMousa said. “We’re more willing to tolerate and work with others than the generations before us.”

Elaasar and AbuMousa said that they see millenials as catalysts for change because they want to be properly informed and active about causes they care for.

“The millennials are an amazing generation. We are spirited and passionate for justice and equality for people of all races and beliefs,” Elaasar said. “We wish to leave our world in a better state than we entered it. We are hungry for knowledge and know how to use the resources available to us to achieve it.”

Despite the always-present turmoil, Elaasar said she will remain hopeful.

“There is always going to be tension between the East and West, both religious and political,” she said. “But it’s not as if I’ve lost my faith in humanity. I’m much more keen on the idea of justice.”