We are hearing from students and staff on campuses around the world about their concern for family and friends in Israel, as rockets continue to land in the south and Tel Aviv and as an alarm was sounded in Jerusalem today. As they organize local rallies to support Israel, post to Facebook and follow news reports, thousands of students are turning to Hillel for emotional support, information and answers. Our talented Hillel campus professionals are addressing the reactions and responses on campus to the escalating military operations and we applaud their work.
Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life stands with Israel and condemns Hamas’ rocket attacks against civilians in Israel.
We hope that our Israeli brothers and sisters remain out of harm’s way. Just yesterday, our director at Ben-Gurion University in the southern city of Beer Sheva was sitting with students at Hillel when the Rector of the university personally came over to ask them to go home. The campus was shutting down for the safety of the students.
This is an extremely tense time on some college campuses throughout the world. Already there are large-scale Israel solidarity movements growing on campuses. However, now and over the coming days, there will be many anti-Israel protests and propaganda campaigns. Hillel’s goal is to provide a safe space for students to grapple with the issues of this conflict and express their solidarity with the Israeli people. In addition, Hillel is providing essential resources to our campus staff to help further support our students.
Now, as always, we continue to inspire each of our students to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel.
May we all pray for peace in Israel.
Shabbat Shalom,
Wayne L. Firestone
President & CEO,
Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life Hillel |
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Alon Friedman
Director General,
Israel
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