Santa Barbara’s State street, known for it’s extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment was speckled with blue and white flags, signs, and clothing as multiple Jewish organizations and groups assembled to protest the increasing antisemitism in their community, as well as showing support for their fellow Israeli friends and family members. Coordinated by the UCSB Students Supporting Israel and SB Hillel, the peaceful walk began at the intersection of State and Gutierrez streets up to the Santa Barbara Courthouse.
Along State street, members of many local Jewish organizations and communities banded together to spread awareness of the increasing antisemitism and violence toward their Israeli friends and family members on Oct. 22 in Santa Barbara, Calif. Over their heads, the Jewish Federation of Santa Barbara had installed flags that waved up and down the busy street.From left, Lily Karofsky and Adam Karofsky march State street together on Oct. 22 in Santa Barbara, Calif. Lily’s sign reads “I stand with Israel” while Adam’s sign reads “Jewish nation is alive.” (Claire Geriak)
“For me personally, I have a lot of family in Israel and it’s really scary not being with them right now,” City College student Lily Karofsky said. “So anyway I can show my support to them is really important to me.”
Karofsky emphasized that being Jewish in this day and age is scary, and that being on a college campus isn’t where someone should feel threatened or in danger, but that is the reality for some students today. Karofsky further explained that there isn’t a lot of support for City College students, and that she has had to attend the neighboring UCSB clubs and organizations to feel some community and support.
A man holds up a hand-written sign that reads “Hamas = Isis” during the march planned by the UCSB Students Supporting Israel and SB Hillel on Oct. 22 in Santa Barbara, Calif. Many other handmade signs were displayed during the march, supporting Israel and the Jewish community in Santa Barbara and beyond.
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“On my college campus, I have difficult conversations on a daily basis, about issues concerning Israel and antisemitism.” President of UCSB’s Associated Students Tessa Veksler said. “Unfortunately, this often doesn’t leave much room for me to relish in the amazing Jewish community I have the privilege of being a part of. I use the word privilege for a reason.”
From left, Stella K, Ruscha Robbins, and Dvorah Mishkin display an Isreali banner and kidnapping flyers in front of the Santa Barbara Courthouse during a walk in support for the local Israeli community on Oct. 22 in Santa Barbara, Calif. Robbins and other participants also participated in a protest in uptown Santa Barbara on Oct. 19. (Claire Geriak)Jewish Santa Barbara County community members and supporters congregate around the Santa Barbara Courthouse to hear speeches, pray and stand with Israel on Oct. 22 in Santa Barbara, Calif. The group rang out from downtown Santa Barbara, making their voices heard. (Claire Geriak)
