UCLA Students Plan Oct. 7 Anniversary March, Sparking Outrage

Students for Justice in Palestine at UCLA is organizing a mass protest on Wednesday to commemorate the third anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, an event that has ignited backlash from critics who have labeled the planned demonstration as "depraved."

The protest is scheduled for noon on Oct. 7 at Bruin Plaza on the University of California, Los Angeles campus, according to a statement from the student group. The demonstration aims to mark three years since Hamas terrorists killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages in their attack on Israel.

Students for Justice in Palestine stated that the protest is intended to recognize "three years of escalated genocide in Palestine" and to "recognize and uplift" Palestinian resistance. The group asserted that "the genocide in Palestine has not slowed down, and neither should we."

The group's framing of the event immediately drew criticism on social media. One commenter described the plan as "depraved," while another wrote, "This is depraved." Another critic posted, "You're gonna make a lot of noise and get a lot of attention, but victorious? I don't think Israel will fall because of a bunch of barbarians and their Looney Tunes supporters."

The California Post reached out to SJP at UCLA for further comment regarding the planned demonstration and the ensuing criticism, but had not received a response by press time. Jewish organizations on campus, including Bruins for Israel and UCLA Hillel, as well as Jewish student leaders, also declined to comment on the planned protest.

The anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack has become a focal point for tensions at UCLA, with the Israel-Hamas war frequently leading to protests, counterprotests, and confrontations.

Last year's anniversary commemoration involved a march of approximately 70 people through campus, with about 25 police officers and university personnel present. The demonstration included Palestinian flags, a coffin-shaped object, and chants such as "Free Palestine," "Intifada," and "Israel is a terrorist state."

In 2024, pro-Palestinian demonstrators established an encampment at UCLA's Royce Quad amidst heightened protests over Israel's military actions in Gaza. The ensuing unrest has become a significant legal matter.

In May, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the University of California, alleging that UCLA demonstrated deliberate indifference to the discrimination and harassment experienced by Jewish and Israeli students, in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The DOJ specifically cited the April 2024 encampment, claiming Jewish and Israeli students were subjected to assaults, exclusion from campus areas, and denial of educational opportunities.

UCLA has contested the federal government's assessment of its response, stating that it has implemented substantial reforms concerning campus safety and protest policies. The university is also challenging a federal directive to repay more than $2 billion in UCLA research grants.

The planned demonstration occurs as the division over Israel and Gaza on American college campuses enters its fourth year.