It felt like ‘ the calm before the storm!’

By h. nazan ışık—

29 April 2024—

 “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” on 29 April, reached  day 13. After 23 April this was my second visit. I arrived at around 15:30 (3:30 pm).

On 116 street and 117 Street and Broadway there was a demonstration.

What I saw was not only young students, but also rather more mature protesters with “Free Palestine, End the Occupation Now” signs.

With “Stop Genocide Gaza, Ceasefire Now” signs. 

And “Jewish Mother for Ceasefire”

I didn’t get a chance to ask this gentleman if he was pro-Plastine or pro-Israel, he walked too fast.

It was almost 16:00 (4pm). Since the gate for the press was open only between !4:00 – 16:00 (2pm-4pm) I needed to get to the press entrance  before , .

The campus looked very calm and quiet.

For the first time I saw Faculty members in orange vests were in front of the entrance of the encampment. Campus looked so quiet.

I asked what happened. I was told Shafik announced that Columbia “will not divest from Israel,” as negotiators failed to come to an agreement.

Columbia urged encampment participants to leave, and warned of interim suspension at 2 p.m.

Faculty  in orange vests formed a line in front of the entrance of the encampment, making a human barricade. Hundreds of pro – Palestine protesters started picketing around the encampment until 15:50 (3:50 pm) they said.

I missed it all.

Faculty  in orange vests were in front of the entrance of the encampment, making a human barricade.

A few counterprotesters gathered with Israeli flags, chanting.

Nobody paid much attention.

It is after 16:00 (4:00 pm) now. And, after 14:00 (2:00 pm) deadline, some protesters remained inside the encampment 

As we could see in the background some faculty also remained inside the encampment. Students, protesters looked calm, waiting for something.

Waiting…

Nobody was moving, just sitting very quietly.

Some of Columbia’s Student Radio Station WKCR reporters were not moving either.

Columbia’s Student Radio Station WKCR reporter was waiting too.

It is about 23:00 (11pm). A complete lack of sound! So quiet!

If “silence could be seen, could be heard, could be photographed ” This must be it.

Alex Kent, a photojournalist, was waiting too.

But waiting for what? 

It felt like ‘ the calm before the storm!’

All Photographs  © h. nazan ışık

© h. nazan ışık / NKENdiKEN