The Pittsburgh City Paper has made an egregious mistake by awarding Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at the University of Pittsburgh the 2024 People of the Year Award in the activism category.
This decision is a slap in the face to Pittsburgh’s Jewish community and to anyone who opposes hate and bigotry.
SJP has a long history of promoting division, glorifying violence, and harassing Jewish students on campuses across the United States. Nationally, SJP referred to the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel — involving mass murder, rape, and kidnapping — as a “historic win.”
Locally, SJP at Pitt has targeted Jewish student organizations, calling for the expulsion of Hillel and the Student Coalition for Israel simply because they support Zionism, a core tenet of Jewish identity.
🔴Call on the Pittsburgh City Paper to Rescind and Apologize for Award to Local SJP!
✍️Join the campaign to demand that the Pittsburgh City Paper rescind this award and issue a public apology for this error in judgement!https://t.co/yDjRIMrjxX pic.twitter.com/P4B5FGfwWq
— StandWithUs (@StandWithUs) December 20, 2024
Even more troubling, SJP has aligned itself with groups like Samidoun, a designated terrorist organization linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and has hosted fundraisers for Islamic Relief USA, which is tied to groups accused of promoting antisemitism.
These actions are not activism — they are dangerous and divisive.
Honoring such a group undermines the integrity of Pittsburgh City Paper and disrespects the values of coexistence and respect that Pittsburgh stands for.
It is imperative that the publication rescind this award immediately and issue a public apology.
Email Pittsburgh City Paper‘s Editor-in-Chief Ali Trachta to demand the award be rescinded or CLICK HERE to support the StandWithUs campaign and join the fight against antisemitism.
CLICK HERE to join the StandWithUs campaign against this decision or email the editor-in-chief directly at ali@pghcitypaper.com.
SAMPLE EMAIL
Subject: Pittsburgh City Paper Must Rescind Award to SJP
Dear Ms. Trachta,
I am deeply disappointed by your decision to award Students for Justice in Palestine at Pitt the 2024 People of the Year Award for activism.
SJP has a documented history of glorifying violence, promoting division, and targeting Jewish students. Honoring this group undermines your publication’s credibility and values.
I urge you to rescind the award immediately and issue a public apology.
Sincerely,
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