From Staff Reports

UNC Asheville's student newspaper, the Blue Banner, reported on Nov. 1 that several pro-Palestiine programs have been held recently on UNCA's campus, as well as in downtown Asheville, in a story headlined, "Asheville community responds to Israel-Gaza conflict, amidst rising violence and casualties."

The story also told of several local residents who gathered to hold their signs atop the Montford Avenue bridge on Oct. 13, which crosses above Interstate 240. "As cars drive passed, the thumbs of drivers pointing up can be seen through windshields and the sounds of supportive honking can be heard from below," the Blue Banner reporter.

Meanwhile, toward the end of a detailed story focusing on the viewpoints of local residents who are pro-Palestine following the recent outbreak of war between Israel and the Gaza Strip, the Blue Banner reported the following: 

"At UNCA, on Oct. 26, (Samer) Traboulsi (a UNCA history professor) and Ayelet Even-Nur (a UNCA adjunct assistant professor in English) led discussions of the recent events of the conflict during a second panel, located in Mullen And James Humanities Hall. (Travoulsi lists his teaching and research interests as "history of the pre-modern Middle East, Arabia and Ismailism.)

"That same day, the UNCA Students for a Democratic Society, a progressive organization dedicated to mobilization on campus, hosted a bake sale inside the Highsmith Student Union. All proceeds, over $500, from the sale were donated to the Middle Eastern Childrens’ Alliance.

"On Oct. 27, the Party For Socialism and Liberation organized an emergency demonstration in Pack Square Park, at 6 p.m. In Gaza, over 6000 miles away from where the attendees of the demonstration stood, outward cellular communications from Gaza ceased. In a statement from the Israel Defense Forces, they said they have increased their attacks in Gaza," the Blue Banner reported.