The conflict between Israel and Hamas stretched past 17 days yesterday. Casualties are mounting. Both innocent Israelis and Palestinians have suffered in their own ways. Now critics worldwide are choosing sides between Israel and the residents of Gaza. This rift of international opinion and support currently has few, if any, solutions to end the conflict.

On American campuses, student organizations, both Muslim and Jewish, are working in close quarters to shed light on Gaza. But a shallow rift still exists. The Muslim Student Association at Cal State East Bay held a silent protest with picket signs. At Duke, the MSA sponsored a vigil with images of the Gaza fighting, depicting the human cost of war.

Here at Syracuse University, the MSA conducted a public candlelight vigil at Hendricks Chapel yesterday. Hillel, the foundation for Jewish campus life, has sent a call for Israeli solidarity to colleges around the globe. Hillel also took time to observe the cost of war yesterday with a day dedicated to Israeli patriotism.

As separate efforts to mourn and respect those fighting and dying for their causes, these vigils and displays of pride are just one step toward healing. But a long road to the beginnings of peace lies ahead. Reaching any agreement in Gaza seems impossible without a higher level of cooperation between the supporters of Palestine and Israel abroad. College students and their potential influence are no exception. Further division of conflicting groups, even on the small scale at American universities, doesn’t help the cause.

Talking about peace separately is a start. Still, both supporting groups at SU will progress further toward peace through greater cooperation in planning observances like yesterday’s vigils. Political groups should come together to represent a larger possible peace between people. Hillel, the MSA and other campus organizations should be leading a dialogue to promote understanding of the conflict in the campus community. Both groups should be participating in discussion forums like this Friday’s Gaza Teach-In, sponsored by the geography department and the People’s Geography Project. Right now, there seems to be only a few suggestions for a centuries-old conflict burdened by feelings deeper than most can grasp. Coming together has to be the first step.