Professor of Social Justice Studies and Community Engagement at Point Park University Robert Ross, held a lecture on April 10 concerning the Palestine/Israel conflict.

Ross, who had just returned from occupied Palestine, showed a Google Slides presentation outlining the history of the Palestine/Israel conflict as well as what Point Park students can do to aid.

Ross encouraged attending students to stand up against Israel’s attacks on Palestine by staying educated, boycotting, contacting their elected officials and protesting.

“College students have been on the front lines of so much social change,” said Ross. “You have a lot of power as students.”

QR codes that opened up into long lists of literary resources were shown in the Google Slides presentation. Ross specifically stressed the importance of reading “The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine” by Rashid Khalidi.

Beyond education, Ross emphasized boycotting as a realistic way for students to protest. Some of the corporations that support Israel listed in the slides include Starbucks, McDonalds and Sabra hummus.

Starbucks and Sabra hummus are sold at Point Perk and Point Cafe.

According to Ross’s lecture, the United States government sends $3.8 billion to Israel every year.

According to the Council on Foreign Relations website, Israel is the largest communicative recipient of US aid.

Ross made it clear that a portion of American tax dollars are going to Israel. Boycotting companies that support Israel decreases the impact of the American tax dollars sent to Israel.

Another way for students to stand up for the people of Palestine, included in the lecture, is to contact their elected officials and demand a ceasefire. To figure out who your elected officials are, visit the USA.gov website.

Ross also urged students to participate in protests around the city. Information about protest dates and times can be found on The Pittsburgh Palestine Coalition Instagram page.