On Friday, May 24, the DMV School Strike For Gaza held a student-led march during the school day that started at McPherson Square and ended at the White House. Students protested for two main demands at the strike: ending American military aid to Israel, and an immediate ceasefire between the Israeli government and Hamas.

14 high schools across the DMV, including JR, had specific cohorts involved in the march, alongside other high schools that participated without designated student roles affiliated with the strike. 

Around 150 students attended the strike, with approximately 30 from JR. The event was co-sponsored by thirteen pro-Palestinian organizations throughout the DMV. The strike incorporated teachings of Palestinian culture, with specific time allotted for Muslim prayer and lessons on queer history. Lunch was provided at the site to all people participating.

The head of the strike, who wished to remain anonymous, attributed the event’s inspiration to “seeing the GW encampment and being motivated [by that] to take action as students.” The creator noted there is a feeling of unity by being able to “go into this space where everyone has a shared value.”

The strike aimed to raise awareness surrounding Palestinian life and history. An anonymous JR student who attended the strike described how its focus wasn’t strictly to talk about politics, but instead to be part of a community with similar viewpoints.

JR sophomore Haley Crouch described the strike as being “super welcoming, with a lot of people there [who] were really kind to everyone.” Crouch mentioned how there were “peaceful people from different kinds of corporations,” who contributed to the success of the event. 

Junior Jax Downey who also attended found the strike to be “very informative and educational.” 

For further details on the event, the website “DMV School Strike For Gaza” offers a full list of organizations partnered with the movement as well as their specific goals with the creation of the march.