Family of Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi urges investigation at Olympia rally
On Feb. 5, the family of Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi stood before a crowd at the Washington State Capitol, urging lawmakers to support Senate Joint Memorial 8014 and calling for a federal investigation into her death.
The rally, organized by Washington for Peace and Justice and Jewish Voice for Peace, brought together activists, students, and community members to call for state action and accountability.
Eygi’s sister and husband addressed the crowd, grounding the policy debate in personal loss. Speakers throughout the rally emphasized the call for a federal investigation. Organizers described the demand as “the bare minimum” and urged continued civic engagement. “Sustained pressure is how change happens,” one speaker said, urging attendees to continue contacting lawmakers.
A Legislative Appeal
SJM 8014, introduced during the 2025-26 legislative session, is a Senate Joint Memorial urging the federal government to conduct an independent investigation into Eygi’s death. Although the measure does not create binding law, organizers said it serves as a formal statement of accountability from the state.
Supporters described the memorial as a limited but necessary step, emphasizing that the measure calls for transparency rather than punishment. Sen. Yasmin Trudeau echoed the sentiment during the rally, summarizing the request as “one simple ask: an independent investigation into her death.”
Eygi’s family met with legislators throughout the day alongside community advocates. Her sister, Ozden Eygi Bennett, said, “This bill should not be divisive or voted along party lines. It is simply asking for an independent, thorough, and credible U.S.-led investigation into the death of a U.S. citizen abroad involving a U.S. ally––in this case, Israel.”
A Call to Students: Interview With Hamid Ali
Following the rally, Hamid Ali, Eygi’s husband, was asked what his call to action was for Seattle students. Ali paused before responding, saying he was considering what Eygi herself would say.
Ali’s reply was measured but resolute, reflecting both personal loss and a call for civic engagement. He outlined two responses: one specific and one broader.
Regarding SJM 8014, he encouraged students to follow the example set at the Capitol that day: contact their representatives and senators, urge them to support the memorial, and emphasize that an investigation represents the bare minimum. He also stressed the importance of spreading awareness across communities statewide, rather than limiting advocacy to Seattle.
His broader message focused on shared values. Ali described Eygi’s lifelong commitment to justice across communities, from the West Bank to Standing Rock and Myanmar. He emphasized that the systems referenced during the rally are interconnected.
“As long as one system of injustice remains in place, it threatens everyone, even if we are not directly facing that injustice,” he said.
Ali said honoring Eygi’s legacy requires action.
“Speak out against injustice wherever you encounter it,” he said. “If not by your words, by your heart. If not by your heart, then with your actions.”
