The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

After tragedy, unity

Students+of+the+University+of+Iowa+held+a+candlelight+vigil+for+those+affected+by+terrorism+this+past+week+on+Nov+18.+The+students+hold+these+events+for+those+affected+can+have+a+safe+place+to+share+their+stories+and+grievance+on+the+topic.+%28The+Daily+Iowan%2FGlenn+Sonnie+Wooden%29
Students of the University of Iowa held a candlelight vigil for those affected by terrorism this past week on Nov 18. The students hold these events for those affected can have a safe place to share their stories and grievance on the topic. (The Daily Iowan/Glenn Sonnie Wooden)

By Matthew Jack

[email protected]

Despite the chilly night Wednesday, more than 50 students came together to pay respect to the victims of recent terrorist attacks across the globe, including Paris, Lebanon, Syria, and Nigeria.

The University of Iowa Students for Human Rights organized a vigil for victims of terrorist attacks in Hubbard Park on Wednesday night. By candlelight, students told stories across a somber circle of the ways they had been impacted by the tragedies — from personal reflections to remembrances of lost friends and family.

Gada Al-Herz, a Lebanese student, revealed she had lost three friends in the Beirut bombings on the night before the attacks in Paris. Al-Herz emphasized the extent of public fear due to the routine nature of these attacks in Lebanon.

“Before you get on the bus, they make you open your jacket,” she said. “They’re human beings just like we are. We tend to forget things that happen just because they aren’t in front of us.”

One of Al-Herz’s friends was Adel Termos, the man who is now hailed as a hero in Beirut for tackling an ISIS bomber, sacrificing his own life.

“Just Google that,” she said. “You’ll find plenty of pictures.”

Although the Paris attacks were the most well-known, the organizers wanted to bring attention to several other devastating attacks that took place around that same time and were not given as extensive media coverage.

Facebook was also criticized for only activating its Safety Check application — previously used only in natural disasters — for the Paris vicinity, ignoring the victims of the attacks in Beirut, among several others.

Also an issue recognized during the vigil was the refusal of several United States governors to accept Syrian refugees into their states — including Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad.

One student noted that Lebanon has accepted over 2 million Syrian refugees and asked why the U.S. couldn’t do the same.

Many students addressed the backlash the American Muslim community has received on social media in the aftermath of Islamic extremism.

One man said when discussing issues like these that it is important to approach it from a place of peace and love.

UI senior Sophie Schilling, the president of UI Students for Human Rights, said when her organization heard of the attacks, “we immediately wanted to do something.”

She joined the group her second year and rose from vice president of communications to president her junior and senior years.

UI freshman Emily Schwartzstein, a roommate of one of the organizers, said her decision to attend was due to her “background of ignorance.”

“My roommate opened me up to a lot more ideas,” she said.

As the dialogue died down, the leaders of the organization stepped forward to thank those who attended, and encouraged them to continue to promote peace on campus and abroad.

They invited all present to condense in a frigid hug, sending off a final, “Go Hawks.”

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