Trigger Warning: This article discusses death and violence related to the Israel-Hamas war
Mustangs United for Israel (MUFI) commemorated Sunday the anniversary of those who were killed and kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023.
The vigil was hosted in collaboration with SLO Hillel and Chabad of SLO at the Warren J. Baker Center for Science and Mathematics (BLDG. 180). Over 60 students and community members attended.
Three Cal Poly Police Department officers were also present. MUFI requests a police presence at all their meetings, said Lexi Yaghoubi, president of MUFI and kinesiology-public health junior.
On Oct. 7, 2023, an estimated 1200 people in Israel were killed according to the Associated Press.
“My hope is for the Israeli and Palestinian people to live there in peace,” Yaghoubi said.
The vigil began with tributes, as multiple MUFI members shared the stories of some of the victims. Then, attendees recited a prayer for the dead.
After the prayer, three members shared how Oct. 7 affected them.
“When I talk to people in the Jewish community, I keep hearing sentences of fear,” Yaghoubi said.
As the vigil went on, speakers discussed the broader history of Jewish persecution. They concluded with Israel’s national anthem.