ST. LOUIS — It was an apparent non-violent, pro-Palestinian protest that initially attracted about two dozen people to the Saint Louis University campus at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
However, in just 30 minutes, a sea of Saint Louis University students packed the steps and the grounds by the SLU Clock Tower.
"This is community. This is what solidarity looks like," said Ahlam Jaber, a graduate student at the Midtown university.
"As a Muslim woman, it's essential for me to show my support to my brothers and sisters because my brothers and sisters have been under war for 75 years," said another student, who wanted to remain anonymous.
Hundreds of antiwar protesters held Palestinian flags and signs and repeatedly chanted, "Free Palestine!"
They spoke out against Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel that killed at least 1,200 people.
"I believe in liberation of Palestinians. I believe in liberation from occupation all over the world. It's utmost important to me and that's why I'm here," Jaber said.
Occupy SLU Coalition organized the event that also attracted dozens of parents, children and St. Louisans like Michael Berg.
"I wanted to be here to show my support. I think the ongoing war is a horror that doesn't have to happen," Berg said.
"Cease fire now! Cease fire now," the protesters kept shouting as they trekked to a popular fountain area on SLU's campus near North Grand and Lindell Boulevard, just down the street from the Fabulous Fox Theater.
Minutes later, the protesters marched back to the middle of campus, where they sat in a circle in the street, blocked traffic and kept spreading their messages.
Armed officers from SLU's Department of Public Safety watched every minute of the protests.
"I think we just need to come together and saw we don't want this to continue," Berg said.
The protests lasted for more than two hours.
While a 5 On Your Side crew was there, they didn't see any problems or arrests; however, later there was a report of an apparent fight. No other details are known at this time.
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