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Friday, April 10, 2026

‘We can echo the emptiness of their stomachs’: Why Oregon students are hunger striking for Gaza

In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with news of war, conflict, and suffering. We see images of destroyed cities, displaced families, and innocent lives lost. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless in the face of such atrocities. We may never truly understand what it feels like to be under constant bombing, under constant threat of displacement and murder, but there is one aspect of this suffering that we can empathize with – hunger.

Hunger is a universal feeling that we have all experienced at some point in our lives. It is a physical sensation that gnaws at our stomachs, reminding us that we need sustenance to survive. But for millions of people around the world, hunger is not just a temporary discomfort, it is a daily reality. It is a constant struggle for survival in the midst of war and conflict.

As we sit in the comfort of our homes, with our bellies full and our basic needs met, it may be difficult to imagine the desperation and despair that comes with hunger in a war-torn country. We may never truly understand the fear and uncertainty that comes with not knowing where your next meal will come from. But we can try to imagine it, to empathize with it, and to use that understanding as a source of power and advocacy.

When we think of hunger, we often think of it as a solitary experience. We imagine a person sitting alone, with an empty plate in front of them. But the reality is that hunger affects entire communities, especially in times of war. Families are forced to flee their homes, leaving behind their livelihoods and sources of food. Markets are destroyed, making it difficult to access food. And in some cases, food is used as a weapon of war, deliberately withheld from certain groups of people.

In these situations, hunger becomes a collective experience, one that unites people in their struggle for survival. And it is this collective experience that we can use as a source of power and advocacy. We may not be able to end the wars and conflicts that cause hunger, but we can use our voices and our resources to help those who are suffering.

One way to do this is by supporting organizations and initiatives that provide food aid to those in need. These organizations work tirelessly to deliver food to war-torn areas, often risking their own safety to do so. By donating to these organizations, we can help ensure that families have access to the basic sustenance they need to survive.

But our power and advocacy should not stop there. We can also use our voices to raise awareness about the issue of hunger in war-torn countries. We can share the stories of those who are suffering, and we can demand action from our leaders and governments to address this crisis. We can also support policies and initiatives that aim to prevent and resolve conflicts, ultimately reducing the number of people who are forced to experience hunger.

It is important to remember that our understanding of hunger in war-torn countries should not be limited to just the physical sensation. We must also recognize the emotional toll it takes on individuals and communities. Hunger can lead to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and despair. By acknowledging and empathizing with these emotions, we can show our support and solidarity with those who are suffering.

In conclusion, while we may never truly understand what it feels like to be under constant bombing and threat of displacement, we can understand a fraction of what the hunger feels like. We can use this understanding as a source of power and advocacy to help those who are suffering. Let us come together as a global community to support and stand in solidarity with those who are facing the harsh reality of hunger in war-torn countries. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those who need it the most.

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