In America the right to assemble and freedom of
speech/expression and deeply held beliefs. In other parts of the world these
freedoms do not exist in the same way. Many would argue that Qatar is such a
place where protests and discouraged and there are some laws that censor media
coverage. With that being said, yesterday was a big day for Qatar as a country.
In response to the recent Chapel Hill Shooting, Qatar Foundation organized a
solidarity walk to show support for the victims and their families.
When I first learned of the walk I was confused and unsure
what the angle was. The first poster I saw came with the headline, “Not a Hate
Crime but an act of Terrorism.” I found this to be very extreme for a country
that doesn’t often host political demonstrations. In the end that headline was
changed to “All students safe…our future protected.” This solidarity walk was
planned in about two days ewinotice but was widespread in local news and media.
When I arrived at the walk, which started at the front of
the building I work in, I was amazed to see hundreds of people already lined up
and more arriving each minute. In the end around 1,000 people walked about 2km
from the HBKU Student Center to the Ceremonial Court where a video from the
victim’s family played, with a specific message for Qatar, and students shared
some thoughts on the matter.
It was a powerful demonstration of peaceful protest in a
region where protest can become violent. The US Ambassador for Qatar was in
attendance too and I had the privilege of having a word with her. I asked her
how her time in Qatar had been and she said “it’s the best job I’ve ever had”.
She shared how unique it is in the region for a US Ambassador to be invited to
a peaceful protest against violence to Muslims in the US. How right she was.
Some brief articles and photos can be found here:
I was very proud of Qatar for their stance on it and it
really made an impact on me to see the community come together to support
Muslims and students everywhere. Progress.
