University students rally in solidarity with Aleppo

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AMMAN — Thousands of university students from different backgrounds and parties participated in a march on Monday at the University of Jordan (UJ) to condemn the killing of civilians in the Syrian city of Aleppo. 

Participants in the rally, held by the UJ Student Union, gathered to “raise the awareness” of young citizens on the crimes committed in Aleppo over the past week. 

Motaz Mohammad, who is in charge of student activities in the union, said the stand is aimed at supporting Syria, driven by a humanitarian motive away from politicising the issue. 

“Our role as the body representing students from all parties and blocs is to take part, as students, in condemning the massacres of civilians in the neighbouring country,” Mohammad told The Jordan Times. 

He added the march unites all students from all political beliefs and religions to denounce the “terrorist acts” done in the Syrian city and to show solidarity with the Syrian civilians who lost family members or their homes during the war.

“Maybe it is the least we can do,” said one of the organisers.

“Many children, elderly people, women, and toddlers have been lost during the last few days. We are obliged, as students, to spread awareness among people of our age to stop this injustice and prejudice,” a fourth-year student said.

Students performed “prayers for the absent” during the rally, communal funeral prayers performed by Muslims for those who die in foreign lands and do not receive a proper burial.

UJ Student Union President Mohammad Saaydeh said the aim behind organising rallies in solidarity with Syria and affected countries is to unite Arabs living in Jordan and its neighbouring countries.

“Aleppo is the symbol of civilisation... Its civilisation dates back to the era of the Romans and the Assyrians. Is that a city to be exterminated?”  

Saaydeh added that Jordan and Syria make one country that “goes beyond” borders.

“We are the future. We are responsible for our brothers and sisters in blood, the Syrian citizens. Our houses are their houses.”

Organisers told The Jordan Times that red shirts are to be sold to students for “a reasonable price” as a contribution to the Molham Volunteering Team, which will “deliver the collected money to Syria within the next few days”.