Fresno teacher joins hunger strike for starving children in Gaza

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A Fresno teacher is participating in a multi-day hunger strike to bring attention to the slow and painful starvation that is killing families, babies, and children in Gaza.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, over 20,000 children have died in Gaza. Of those 20,000, 151 have starved to death.

However, with over 14,000 now experiencing acute malnutrition, that number will rise – unless something is done.

In solidarity with the children, an English teacher at Fresno High will be fasting for three days from Wednesday until Friday. The fast is part of a nationwide hunger strike among educators to demand that the government protect the children by ensuring the delivery of food and other humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“It’s important for our students to see teachers’ words translated into action. We teach stories about injustice. We ask them to be courageous, to do what they think is right. It’s important for them to see their teachers model that integrity,” the teacher said.

Since the war started, the US has provided at least $21.7 billion in military assistance to Israel. For the children in Gaza: just over $1.7 billion in humanitarian assistance.

Fresno’s social justice groups Raza Against War, Peace Fresno, and 559socialjustice will be out in front of the school on 1839 N. Echo Ave., supporting the teacher and the cause throughout the week.

Raza Against War says there will be speakers, poets, and musicians around campus throughout the strike. Peace Fresno says the community is also invited to speak, carry signs, and make noise.

And the teacher – she invites the community to make a difference.

“I’m inviting my colleagues and the community to give up their lunch and come sit with me on October 8, 9, and 10,” the teacher said. “My grandparents and relatives survived the Armenian genocide. When I hear Jewish people say ‘Not in my name,’ when they protest the Israeli genocide in Gaza, I can relate. Never again for anyone.”

On the final day of the strike, the community is also invited to join the teacher for a potluck breakfast at Broadway Parque on 940 N. Broadway Street as she breaks her three-day fast.

YourCentralValley.com reached out to Fresno Unified and Fresno High for comment, but has not heard back.