Community members held a vigil on the steps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library at San José State on Tuesday night to remember Aaron Bushnell, a former U.S. Airman, who committed self-immolation against Palestinian genocide on Sunday in Washington DC.
Self-immolation is a deliberate and willing sacrifice of oneself often by fire, according to Merriam-Webster.
Uriel Magdaleno, a organizer from San José against War, said this vigil influenced many in the community to emotionally connect with one another.
“I think everyone here is mourning, not only for Aaron Bushnell, but also for the 30,000 Palestinians that have been murdered,” Magdaleno said.
Bushnell live streamed his act of protest on Twitch, where he told his viewers that he was committing his “extreme act of protest” because he wanted to “not be complicit in genocide” before lighting himself on fire, according to a Monday BBC article.
He stood in front of the Israeli Embassy in his camouflage military uniform and shouted “Free Palestine,” while he engulfed himself in flames, according to the same article.
Magdaleno said he disagrees with individuals who believe that Bushnell’s death was caused by mental health issues.
“If you see what happened in the 60s with Vietnam monks, he was aware of the oppression during that time and he was aware of what he was doing similar to what Aaron Bushnell was clear with his last words,” said Magdaleno.
In 1963, Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc lit himself on fire in protest of the persecution of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese government, according to a Monday Time Magazine article.
“I would describe it as an action of sympathy,” Magdaleno said.
He said self-sacrificial deaths are very common in the Middle East.
“I don't encourage people to self-immolate,” Magadaleno said. “The best way to go about this is within your community to join any available organization.”
Fadi Saba, former San José Peace and Justice member and Palestinian activist, said young people around his age can make a change by going to vigils, gathering with the community and raising their voices.
“I found his act excruciating for me to watch, I couldn't sleep,” said Saba.
He said he sees Bushnell as someone who was willing to take his own life for something he believes in strongly.
“To be burning and suffering takes a lot of courage,” Saba said. “He was brave and courageous.”
Saba said he thinks Bushnell was not mentally ill, and was completely coherent because of the steps he took before he took his life.
“People, especially (in) the media, try to say he's mentally ill (as) a way to cover up the whole point of his act,” Saba said.
Saba said many individuals are in shock that a non-Palestinian took his life in such a painful manner to prove his beliefs.
“We can do more,” he said. “We need to demand a cease fire, and demand a reset of how our relationship is in the Middle East, including for my family members.”
Saba said Bushnell’s death makes him think of how he as a Palestinian should think about the genocide and if he and other activists are doing enough to aid the Palestinian people.
“I teach eighth graders, and it's important for students to understand the future is now and they are the future,” Saba said.
Keely Hunter, member of the organization from San José Against War said the community felt this vigil was necessary for local residents.
“I think tonight was a necessary night to gather and grieve for all the martyrs that have been lost in Palestine, and now Aaron Bushnell,” Hunter said.
She said she does not believe Bushnell’s actions were caused by mental health issues in any “shape, way or form.”
Hunter said the people need to continue being active with their voices, active in their communities and active in emailing City Council or reaching to organizations who have the power to make a change.
“Don't sit in silence,” she said. “Do every little thing the people of Palestine are asking you to do and help.”
Hunter said she felt during the vigil a similar ring of heartbreak she has been feeling for months.
“Free Palestine,” Hunter said.
