A significant event was held at Atatürk University to underscore the hardship endured by the Palestinian people and to establish a lasting memory for Gaza. The initial saplings for the "Gaza Memorial Forest" were planted as part of a program that was organized in partnership with the Jerusalem Studies and Research Center and the Faculty of Theology Nihavand Music Club.

 The program was attended by Erzurum Chief Public Prosecutor Adem Aydemir, Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu and his wife Prof. Dr. Esra Hacımüftüoğlu, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Hasan Yılmaz and Prof. Dr. Reyhan Keleş, Prof. Dr. Bülent Çavuşoğlu, Jerusalem Studies and Research Center Director Prof. Dr. İsmail Altun, Nihavand Music Club Advisor Lecturer Mustafa Özfidan, faculty deans, academic-administrative staff, and numerous students.

 Prof. Dr. İsmail Altun, Director of the Jerusalem Studies and Research Center, delivered the inaugural speech of the program: "Today, we are not merely planting a sapling here." We are also vocalizing the voices of humanity, conscience, and solidarity in opposition to the devastation in Gaza. There is hope for the future of Palestinian children in each sapling, and it is our responsibility.

 Rector Hacımüftüoğlu: "Our University regards it as its obligation to promote the shared values of humanity."

 Professor Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, the Rector of Atatürk University, underscored the fact that the Gaza Memorial Forest is not only an environmental project but also a conscience project during the sapling planting ceremony. He stated, "Every sapling is a hope." Each sapling that is planted here today is a symbol of the rebirth of life, hope, and peace in a region that has been ravaged by conflict. Our university considers it its obligation to advance not only through scientific research but also by advocating for the shared values of humanity. I am deeply grateful to all "Stakeholders" who have contributed to this significant project and am proud of our youth for their refusal to remain mute about the suffering they have witnessed in Gaza. This forest will serve as a monument of conscience and the voice of the oppressed that we will carry into the future.

 The Nihavend Music Club's emotive melodies, which were played during the sapling planting ceremony that was conducted as part of the event, provided the participants with both hopeful and somber moments. Next to the saplings they planted, the students expressed their prayers and support for their Palestinian siblings and sisters.

 With these activities, Atatürk University continues to foster a sense of social responsibility and sensitivity toward both the environment and humanity. As a testament to this sensibility, the "Gaza Memorial Forest" initiative will persist on the university campus.

 CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORATE – May 30, 2025