Statement on Israel
Note: This message was shared with the Brandeis community on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 7.
Oct. 7, 2023
Dear Brandeis Community,
This morning we awoke to news of a deadly terrorist attack on Israel. Many of us in the Brandeis community have close family, friends, colleagues and former classmates and students in the region, and many have spent a frightening day trying to reach those who live there. My thoughts are with all of those who are suffering in the wake of this outburst of violence.
In terms of our current students, two are studying in Israel this semester, we have made contact with both of them, and will support them. We are also communicating with faculty in the region, and monitoring the situation to help community members who may need assistance.
We condemn in the strongest way terrorism such as we have seen today perpetrated against innocent civilians; we support Israel's right to defend itself. It has always been our belief at Brandeis that engaging and wrestling with divisive issues from a place of compassion is how we begin to heal our broken world.
We have many faculty and staff in a number of academic departments with deep knowledge of the region and the conflict, and I encourage you to pursue learning in this area from those individuals. At the moment, many members of our community are hurting and worried. As has been true at other difficult times, I know you will support each other, and I urge anyone in need of additional support to make use of the campus resources listed below.
Sincerely,
Ron Liebowitz
Support for students
Students affected by the conflict desiring support services may reach out to theBrandeis Counseling Center which is available over the long weekend and whose support is available 24-7, as well as Spiritual Life, including individual campus clergy, the Dean of Students Office and the International Students and Scholars Office, whose offices reopen on Tuesday. The Ombuds Office is available after the holiday to help address difficult interpersonal situations and offers conflict resolution support.
Support for faculty and staff
Brandeis’ Employee Assistance Program offers many options for support, including referrals to counseling. The Ombuds Office can offer help to resolve conflicts that can arise in the workplace. Faculty may also reach out to their deans.