Why American College Students Rally for Palestinians While Arab Allies Remain Absent in Protests

 "Suha al-Kafarna, a displaced Gazan, urges Arab students to emulate the support shown by Americans, emphasizing the need for greater solidarity from Arab allies."

Palestinians may find solace in the fervent protests on American university campuses against Israel's actions in Gaza. However, there is a growing sense of curiosity in the embattled enclave about the absence of similar demonstrations in Arab countries traditionally seen as allies.

While US universities witness intense demonstrations this week, marked by clashes between students, counter-protesters, and law enforcement, the level of protest activity in Arab nations has been notably subdued in comparison.

Protesters detained at University of California Los Angeles during pro-Palestinian rally in Los Angeles, California, US, on May 2, as reported by Reuters. Ahmed Rezik, a 44-year-old father sheltering in Rafah, Gaza's south, expressed admiration and disappointment over the absence of similar protests in Arab and Muslim countries. A message of gratitude to students at Columbia University and others for their solidarity with Gaza was seen in Rafah, where over a million seek refuge from Israel's offensive.

The comparative silence on Arab campuses and streets amid the conflict between Israel and Gaza has raised questions about the reasons behind this subdued response. Various factors contribute to this phenomenon, ranging from concerns about angering authoritarian regimes to differing political perspectives on Hamas and its support from Iran. Additionally, doubts persist about the effectiveness of protests in influencing state policies.

In contrast, American students at prestigious universities are more willing to voice their dissent, despite potential consequences such as arrest or expulsion. Their motivation stems from their government's support and arms deals with Israel, leading to a heightened sense of responsibility and activism.

Arabs across the region, from Morocco to Iraq, have consistently expressed outrage at Israel's actions and solidarity with Gaza's residents. This sentiment has been particularly evident during Ramadan, with subdued celebrations reflecting the somber mood.

While some public rallies have occurred, notably in Yemen where the Houthis joined the conflict, many Arab citizens have resorted to expressing their horror and support through social media rather than taking to the streets. This discrepancy between public reactions in the United States and Arab countries has prompted criticism from individuals in Gaza, who feel that their Arab counterparts should do more to support them.

In Egypt, where public protests against Israel are restricted due to fears of turning against the government, the muted response is part of a broader crackdown on public dissent. Even state-sanctioned protests have faced challenges, with arrests made when demonstrations veered off the agreed route.

Similarly, in Lebanon, where political and economic crises have heightened the importance of academic success, students are wary of participating in public protests due to potential repercussions from university authorities. The complex histories of countries hosting Palestinian refugees, like Lebanon and Jordan, also play a role in shaping public reactions, with some blaming Palestinians for past conflicts or fearing associations with Hezbollah's actions.

Overall, the Arab world's muted response contrasts with the activism seen in American universities, highlighting the different political climates, fears of repercussions, and historical contexts that shape public protests in these regions.