You are here: 猫咪社区app University President Announcements October 12, 2023

Back to top

AU Memo Letterhead

Dear AU community,

I want to express 猫咪社区app University鈥檚 ongoing support for our community following Hamas鈥檚 brutal assault on Israel and its people. The atrocities committed by Hamas on such a shocking scale, including horrific massacres and abhorrent hostage taking, are repugnant. We condemn these terrorist attacks and their affronts to humanity. Many from our Jewish community and beyond have shared their hurt and sorrow, including anguishing personal impacts of this extraordinary attack. It is devastating, and I offer my support.

This attack will result in a spiral of violence that will, sadly, cost more lives of Israelis and Palestinians.聽

From the outset, our primary and ongoing focus has been to support our community, including those whose families and extended communities are affected by violence and those who have concerns for their own safety. I want to reiterate a key point: violence, particularly acts of terror, should not be glorified. Listening to community members, engaging in campus events, having respectful dialogue both in person and online, and providing space for people to share and grieve are all part of this important effort. As we mentioned previously, campus services鈥攊ncluding the聽, the student AU Protocol 24-hour support line (202-885-7979), the聽and the Kay Spiritual Life Center鈥攃ontinue to be available.聽For anyone with safety concerns, please contact AUPD at 202-885-2527. We have extensive security procedures, including full and visible AUPD presence, in place for events this week and throughout the upcoming Family Weekend. Additionally, we are working with the small number of students studying abroad in Israel to support their safety.

While this note focuses on the attack, sadly, difficult times and suffering are likely to grow and to continue for the foreseeable future. The difference we can make is to continue comforting our community, listening to each other, and striving to make peace and compassion our guiding purpose in a time when the world desperately needs it.

Sincerely,

Sylvia