The Next Generation of Advocacy: Muslim High School Students Championing Palestine
Written by Aneesa, Muslim Civic Coalition Intern
This past October, I was a high school senior, focused on submitting college applications. It was hard to think about writing essays or deciding which campus I liked best when I knew Palestinians were fearing for their lives. Kids my age in Palestine didn’t have the privilege to plan their futures; instead, they worried about surviving the next hour. As a high school student with limited resources, I felt overwhelmed by guilt and a numbing sense of helplessness. This pushed me to seek out opportunities that could contribute to the liberation of the Palestinian people. I wanted to do whatever I could for Palestine. For me, this meant using my platform as president of my high school’s Muslim Student Association (MSA) and as a member of the Diversity and Inclusion board. These roles empowered me to advocate for those who couldn’t advocate for themselves.
Since graduating, I’ve connected with 20 high school Muslim leaders across Illinois to learn how they responded to the genocide in Gaza and to help share their stories.
Muslim high schoolers across the nation have been busy. They’ve organized walkouts, fundraisers, protests, dress-up days, and more on their school campuses. Many even hosted a "Palestine Awareness Week," featuring guest speakers, literature, and multimedia presentations that explored Palestinian culture and the challenges faced by its people. Although many students faced extreme stipulations, detentions, and legal hurdles, they remained steadfast. In some cases, they encountered hostility and aggression from peers and parents, but their commitment to the cause never wavered.
At the same time, some students found their school administrators were receptive to their concerns and even took steps to educate themselves. For example, at my own high school, where I served as MSA co-president, administrators became more open to our requests after hearing our personal stories. Following a heartfelt discussion at one of our MSA meetings, where we shared how the conflict impacted our daily lives, the school organized a "restorative circle." This event created a safe space for students of all backgrounds to express how their lives had been affected by the genocide. Other activists shared similar outcomes—ranging from teachers showing educational videos on the history of Palestine to school-wide discussions.
Despite the challenges, high school students continued to prove their dedication. Teenagers sometimes get a reputation for being disengaged, but these young Muslim advocates have defied that stereotype. When I asked students what motivated them to speak up for Palestine, their response was unanimous: "Why wouldn’t I?" Constantly seeing their brothers and sisters in Palestine under attack fueled their determination to educate others and take action.
Many were also motivated by the misinformation circulating among their peers. Determined to set the record straight, Muslim students took it upon themselves to educate their classmates—first educating themselves to ensure they had accurate facts. MSAs across the country organized programs to help their members speak confidently about the situation. Through rallies, keffiyeh displays, and fundraisers, students found that these acts of solidarity inspired others to join them.
Our future is bright. Often overlooked, high schoolers have become strong advocates and educators in their communities. Using whatever platform they have, no matter how small, they are committed to doing their part. At the end of every interview, I asked students if they planned to continue advocating. Across the board, they said "yes," hoping for bigger turnouts and more events. High school students continue to exceed expectations and goals. It’s time to stop underestimating them and give them the platforms they need to continue succeeding!
