The conflict between Israel and Palestine in the Gaza strip affects millions around the world, and this includes people at this university.

Though it may seem like we, as students, can’t do anything to help the situation, one of the best things we can do is to stay educated. If you feel strongly about one side of the issue, then become active and get your voice out there.

We encourage students to come together to hold discussions about this and have an opportunity to express their opinions. Listen to a side that may not necessarily be as common in the media or elsewhere.

We also ask instructors, professors, groups and clubs to hold forums to discuss this situation along with other prominent issues and events.

Though people can become passionate about one side of this issue, keep in mind the only way to effectively get your opinion across is to stay civil. It is and always will be a touchy subject, and the worst way to express your opinion is to be hostile and close-minded.

Also, if you do not know much about the situation in the Gaza strip, read up on it and find out what is going on. You may be surprised by how many people it affects. This is history in the making and missing out on this while it is going on can be detrimental to your understanding of what will happen in the future. Read into its history and it may open you up to a new way of viewing the situation in the Gaza strip. Find out how much aid the U.S. gives Israel. Read up on the United Nation’s stance of the conflict. Talk to students who have families there.

And be careful about preconceived notions that you may have. Listen to the facts and make up your own mind instead of just spreading around someone else’s opinion. Keep in mind you need to get information from all types of sources from all sides of the issue. This can enlighten you to hearing a side of the story that you may have not considered before.

Just because it is taking place in another hemisphere does not mean we shouldn’t be knowledgeable about current events like these. This situation doesn’t only affec people in Gaza. This is a problem for several countries, including United States, which has been involved since 1948.

Also, don’t relay others’ opinions if you haven’t heard all sides. A new generation is going to inherit these problems, and it is certainly not going away. The University has and will continue to have students from Israel and Palestine and several members of the Wolfpack community are or have families that are involved.