On Oct. 9, midway through seventh period, an announcement came over the public address system about the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. It’s unclear who wrote the statement, but, regardless, many were surprised and students and staff expressed a range of different emotions about it.
The statement was given by Jewish Student Union (JSU) president, Ethan Yakubov.
“October 7, 2024, marks one year since the horrific attacks in Israel. Many people in our school community have family and friends directly impacted by the events of that day and the events that have ensued since. Today, we remember those who have been killed and those who are still held hostage one year later. Please join us in a moment of silence as we commemorate the tragedies of one year ago. Thank you.”
According to JSU adviser, Jaime Kopstick, the students in JSU did not write the statement. Kopstick declined to be further interviewed to provide clarification about the statement and who wrote it.
“There was a statement written by JSU, I had also typed in a few edits and words as well and then I was sending things back and forth with a lawyer and that was ultimately what was approved,” said Principal Meredith Inbal. “I don’t know what [JSU’s] process was for coming up with the statement.”
Several members of JSU stated that the students didn’t have part in writing the statement.
“I didn’t have a say in what would be announced,” said Yakubov.
Juniors, Dylan Kaziyev and Alexander Kaziyev, both members of JSU, also didn’t know where the statement came from.
“I didn’t contribute to writing it but I feel like Ethan said it with all of us in mind. It was a really meaningful and powerful statement,” said Dylan Kaziyev.
Alex Kaziyev was surprised when he heard Yakabov reading the statement. And students weren’t the only ones who were surprised. Teachers were not given prior notice of the announcement.
“It put me in a very difficult position because I was very emotionally upset by what I heard and then I immediately had to have a conversation where I had to remain very neutral as an educator,” said Rabeena Khan, who teaches seventh grade Humanities. “It was very, very difficult.”
Khan, who is also the advisor for the Muslim Student Association (MSA), would have liked to have been included or consulted about the announcement since many of the 28 members of MSA have been deeply impacted by the war.
“I think it should have been discussed with the MSA and JSU before being announced like that with no warning,” said junior Mayesa Tasnim, who is a member of MSA. “It made me feel confused as to why this had to be said in such a one sided manner.”
The chancellor provided guidance to school administrators on how they might address this sensitive issue, including that the focus was on the loss of life. Also, that any statement could not “take a political stance or ‘side’ on any geopolitical issues.” According to Inbal, the statement that was read by Yakubov properly adhered to the Department of Education’s (DOE) guidelines for making statements regarding this event.
“I don’t believe it is a political statement, if people perceive it as such that’s on them but Israel is a sovereign country, it exists, and I don’t think that referencing Israel is political,” said Inbal.
Students had mixed reactions to the statement, some approved of the message while others found it to be upsetting.
“I thought it was a sincere gesture from the school about the situation and to those whose families might’ve been impacted by it,” said junior Maximus DiMonda.
Seniors Khaled Bouziri and Makiem Marchan took an indifferent stance.
“I think it was pretty neutral, I feel like everybody really has heard about the news already but no one expected to hear it over the intercoms in school,” said Bouziri. Marchan continued, “I don’t think QSI’s really the type of school to push sides against their students, I think they just want to inform people about what’s going on.”
“It made me feel very prideful, considering that’s one of my peers and I consider him as a friend,” said Alexander Kaziyev.
Other students were glad that the announcement was made because it resonated with them.
“I felt very proud that one of our club members was speaking out, speaking their mind, letting everybody know what’s going on,” said Dylan Kaziyev.
However, for some students, the statement seemed to be taking sides.
“I feel like [it’s] only acknowledging one-side when there’s worse stuff happening on the other side and it’s only taking in account one side which is kind of messed up,” said junior Phoenix Spencer.
Myra Attique, a senior and member of MSA, who felt “unsafe” after hearing it, agreed.
“It didn’t shed a lot of light on both sides, it felt centered on just one and that’s unfair,” said Attique.
Junior Abraham Benyaminov, a member of JSU, responded to negative perceptions of the statement.
“I can maybe see why some people don’t like this announcement but I think we should just speak what we need to hear and they speak what they need to hear and we can all just hopefully find peace and a mutual agreement to say our own views on the matter,” said Benyaminov.
In addition to any commemoration being apolitical, the DOE guidelines also required schools “to create safe spaces for students who wish to discuss or process their emotions and/or engage in difficult conversations.”
School social worker, Jill Kaufman, did not have notice of the announcement and found that many students were upset by it.
“I think people were immediately affected, confused, wondering why a specific event was commemorated,” Kaufman said. “There’s all this history and a year’s worth since the event which is what people were talking about. The students were confused; shocked why the announcement was so specific to that one event,” she said.
These feelings led a small group of students from the Restorative Justice Action Team, with the staff advisor, Kaufman, to request a meeting with Inbal to express their concerns about the statement, which was held on Oct. 23.
“I feel like the meeting cleared up a lot of questions,” said sophomore Zarah Peerzada. “[Ms. Inbal] had really cleared up what actually happened and what intentions were behind the announcement. She said she was going to try and work together with us moving forward to do more for both sides,” she said.
Sophomore Laiba Azhar, who also attended the meeting, disagreed.
“I feel like although she did hear us out, she basically said that she thinks that the feelings that we have are mainly because of the unresolved conflict and since the world is unresolved and we’re unresolved as well,” said Azhar. “Though I agree with this, I feel like that kind of demeaned the fact that the announcement itself really upset us more.”
To express their feelings about the war, RJAT created a statement that they hope everyone in the community can agree with:
“In light of the ongoing violence in the Middle East, we recognize the profound impact it has on many within our QSI community and around the world. Many QSI students and staff members are experiencing fear, loss, and uncertainty. It is essential that we come together in solidarity to acknowledge that the suffering and loss experienced by thousands of individuals in this conflict is deeply complex and distressing. This calls for our compassion, empathy and understanding regardless of our backgrounds or political beliefs.
For us, solidarity means standing with those affected, advocating for peace and justice and recognizing the humanity in everyone. It is crucial that we foster an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and respectful dialogue can take place.
We encourage all members of our community to engage in constructive discussions and support one another during this challenging time. Together, we can focus on holding space for informed dialogue, respecting diverse viewpoints and hoping for a resolution that honors the dignity of all people affected. If you feel moved to learn more, share your thoughts or get involved in restorative dialogue, we invite you to walk-in and participate in a circle on Thursdays during high school and middle school lunch.”
“I think ultimately we should go forth with compassion and understanding and with foresight to see what we’re doing and how that’s going to impact people in the future so I really hope that’s what Ms. Inbal takes from this if she’s possibly going to be doing announcements again or similar situations occur,” said senior Lissandra Ferrante, a RJAT member. “I think we need to start thinking more carefully about what we’re actually announcing and how that’s impacting our students,” she said.
