Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life condemns the attack on the home of Jewish Agency for Israel Fellow Yossi Knafo in Providence, R.I., early Saturday morning, March 15. Yossi is a member of the professional staff of Hillel at Brown University/Rhode Island School of Design. We are grateful that no one was hurt in this incident which could have had devastating consequences.

While we do not know the motive for this act of violence, it has had a chilling effect on Brown University and the surrounding community. Students and community members feel that their security has been breached and that they are now vulnerable to violence. We stand in solidarity with Brown University and the people of Providence.

Throughout this incident, Acting Hillel Director Megan Nesbitt has demonstrated leadership and professionalism. She has been supported by a talented and committed group of student activists, professionals, and lay leaders. We thank Brown President Ruth Simmons and her team for providing a sense of comfort, strength and security to Hillel. We also thank Mayor David N. Cicilline and the City of Providence, the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island, the Anti-Defamation League and our Jewish Agency partners.

The university must be a place where students and faculty members learn together in an atmosphere of safety and security. While this incident has shaken the Brown campus, it has also brought the community together with greater strength. It is our fondest wish that we can move forward in an environment of peace.

Wayne L. Firestone
President
Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life

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