NEW HAVEN/WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. (WTNH)– Protests like the ones we have been seeing across the country are now happening in our state. More than 1,000 people gathered for a vigil at Yale University. They wanted to show their solidarity with immigrant and refugee communities at Yale, in New Haven and across Connecticut.
More than 1,000 people gathered for a vigil at Yale University. They wanted to show their solidarity with immigrant and refugee communities at Yale, in New Haven and across Connecticut.
Hope Metcalf, who works with students affected by the immigration ban, helped organize the vigil.
“They often feel so afraid and alone,” Metcalf said. “I was just immensely moved to see all of the people here standing out in support.”
Many people brought candles to the vigil. Some held signs with messages of support.
Speakers, like Yale University student Abrar Omeish, addressed the crowd.
“It’s really about solidarity,” said Omeish. “It’s really about a standing up for what’s right.”
That wasn’t the only demonstration where people rallied against President Trump’s executive order on immigration, however. More than a thousand people gathered at Bradley International Airport on Sunday afternoon.
Related: Trump Defends Order as Protests Surge Across the Country
The Council of American Islamic Relations, or CAIR Connecticut, organized the rally just hours before it started.
Fahd Syed, a Yemeni American, attended the rally because his community is scared.
“We don’t want no fear. We don’t want no hatred,” said Syed. “I stand with my people, my beautiful people.”
More than 1,000 #protesters rallying at Bradley Airport against #DonaldTrump‘s #ExecutiveOrder on #immigration #wtnh #rally #immigrationban pic.twitter.com/5MeF8sGese
— Renee Chmiel (@ReneeChmiel) January 29, 2017
Attorney General George Jepsen, who had just gotten off a plane, spoke to the group. Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman thanked the protesters for coming.
AG George Jepsen, having just gotten off a plane, speaks at #rally #protest #executiveorders #wtnh pic.twitter.com/DGx30B7Csn
— Renee Chmiel (@ReneeChmiel) January 29, 2017
Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman to #Protesters: this is OUR country. #rally #wtnh #protest pic.twitter.com/zuwQx8jn0W
— Renee Chmiel (@ReneeChmiel) January 29, 2017
The group was asked to respect travelers as they got their message out.
“This country is going through a crisis,” said Joel Leyden, who attended the protest. “Thank God we have democracy, which is strong.”
That’s what brought the community together at Yale. They spoke out against policies they don’t agree with and let their voices be heard.
“This is exactly what America stands for, this is exactly what all of us stand for in our humanity,” said Omeish. “This is what – I’ll speak for myself – my faith stands for.”
Several Yale deans as well as President Peter Salovey were at the vigil.
