In a world where freedom of speech is often suppressed, it takes courage to stand up and speak out against injustice. This is exactly what happened at Harvard University’s commencement ceremony this year, when a speaker decided to use her platform to bring attention to the ongoing plight of Palestine. Her powerful speech, which was initially suppressed by the university, has now been made public by The Intercept, and it is a must-read for anyone who believes in standing up for what is right.
The speaker in question is Noura Erakat, a Palestinian-American human rights attorney, activist, and academic. As she took the stage at Harvard’s graduation ceremony, she began by saying, “I wanted to center Palestine.” This simple statement speaks volumes about the current state of affairs in the world. While Palestine has been a topic of discussion for decades, it is often pushed to the sidelines and ignored by those in positions of power. But not on this day, not at this prestigious university.
Erakat’s speech was a powerful call to action, urging the graduates to use their education and privilege to bring about positive change in the world. She reminded them that the struggle for justice and equality is ongoing, and that it is their responsibility to continue the fight. She also highlighted the importance of acknowledging and addressing the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people.
The fact that Erakat’s speech was initially suppressed by Harvard is a sad reflection of the current state of academia. Universities are supposed to be places of free thought and open discussion, yet it seems that certain topics are still considered taboo. But thanks to The Intercept, her speech has now been made public for the world to see.
In her speech, Erakat spoke about the ongoing oppression and violence faced by Palestinians, both in their homeland and in the diaspora. She highlighted the importance of recognizing the Palestinian struggle as a global issue, and not just a regional one. She also called out the hypocrisy of those who claim to support human rights, yet turn a blind eye to the atrocities being committed against the Palestinian people.
Erakat’s words were not just a call to action, but also a reminder of the power of storytelling. She emphasized the importance of amplifying the voices of those who are often silenced, and using storytelling as a tool for change. Her own story, as a Palestinian-American, is a testament to the resilience and strength of the Palestinian people.
The fact that her speech was initially suppressed by Harvard is a reminder of the ongoing censorship and silencing of Palestinian voices. But it is also a reminder of the power of speaking truth to power. Erakat’s words have now reached a wider audience, and her message of justice and equality for Palestine will not be silenced.
It is heartening to see that despite the initial suppression, Erakat’s speech was met with a standing ovation from the graduates and their families. It is a sign that the younger generation is not afraid to stand up for what is right, and that they are willing to use their education and privilege to bring about positive change in the world.
In a world where the Palestinian struggle is often overshadowed by other global issues, it is important to have voices like Noura Erakat’s speaking out and bringing attention to the ongoing injustice. Her speech is a reminder that the fight for justice and equality is far from over, and that it is up to all of us to continue the fight.
In conclusion, Noura Erakat’s speech at Harvard’s commencement ceremony was a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle faced by the Palestinian people. Her words were a call to action for the graduates to use their education and privilege to bring about positive change in the world. We must all take inspiration from her bravery and continue to center Palestine in our discussions and actions. As Erakat said, “We must be brave enough to imagine a world where all people are free.” Let us all work towards making this a reality.
