After checking out my university’s graduation commencement last year and the year before, I’ve seen recent graduates on stage with a keffiyeh, or a Palestinian flag, on their grad cap, their grad stole, or wrapped around their wrist. But I have not seen a single Israeli flag. I want to change that.
I am a proud ally, and while I graduated and received my diploma last December, I’m still considered part of the Class of 2026.
I majored in Theatre and had a minor in Judaic Studies (an odd combination, right?), and I received a $3,600 scholarship from the Judaic Studies program. But I didn’t just do it for the money, as I was interested in joining the program before 10/7.
For the graduation commencement (it’s on the 22nd), the very last graduate on stage always receives the most cheers (and I know exactly how to be the last on stage). I want to be the last one on stage, even if it means I’ll end up hearing more boos than cheers. Being the very last on stage would mean a lot to me.
While I feel confident about this, do you agree? Will you cheer me on? Should I reveal my 3x5-foot Israeli flag after shaking the university president’s hand on stage? Should I do less by revealing just one or two small (5x8-inch) Israeli flags, or go with a large Israeli flag pin on my grad gown? What should I say to defend myself from the majority of recent graduates who’ll likely block my path?
I’ve also thought about placing a Lion and Sun/before 1979 Iran flag on my grad cap (Or should I keep my unicorn-and-rainbow grad cap, as shown in the pic? Though something tells me that’s a terrible idea.), and wearing a U.S. & Peruvian Grad Stole (I’m Peruvian-American).
Side note: this pic is from my university’s Senior Awards Convocation last week (a day after my 25th b-day!) for being the graduating senior in Theatre with the highest GPA, and I was the only one who danced (on stage, and entering and leaving the auditorium) XD