Campus Climate Update 2

Campus Climate Update #2 – Town Hall Information
September 6, 2024

To the Maryland Jewish Community:
With the one-year mark of October 7 still a month away, we are relieved that our voices were heard and the SJP event will not take place as it was originally, offensively planned on 10/7.

I want to express sincere appreciation to each and every one of you for speaking up to ensure October 7th remains a meaningful, solemn day. We were in close communication with the University and are grateful to President Pines, Dr. Perillo, and the UMD administration for their commitment to ensuring 10/7 remains free of hate on our campus. Please see the joint statement the Jewish Student Union and Maryland Hillel shared with the community on Monday regarding this decision. We also extend our warm appreciation to the University of Maryland Police Department, led by Chief Mitchell, for their hard work and dedication in keeping Jewish Terps safe.

Maryland Hillel and our student leaders are hard at work planning events and programs to connect emotionally, educationally, and intellectually through song, prayer, and reflection. I am so inspired by the resilience, strength, and dedication of our students fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Please join us for a town hall meeting on Wednesday, September 18 at 8:00 p.m. EST. During this meeting, our students and Maryland Hillel staff will share plans for October 7 remembrance, Israel education and advocacy on campus, provide an update on the current campus climate, and discuss how parents, alumni, and community members can support these efforts. Please register here for the town Hall meeting. We have also established a fund to combat antisemitism and enhance campus security, and we are grateful to those who are able to contribute.

Building on one of our largest Welcome Back BBQs, we are excited to celebrate with President Pines and other community leaders as we break ground on the new Maryland Hillel Building this coming Sunday, September 8th. Additionally, we will celebrate Jewish joy on September 27 with our 1000 Shabbat: United Against Hate, providing us with the energy and strength needed to enter the new year—a year of peace, renewal, and healing. This Israel Solidarity Shabbat will unite the Jewish community in celebration, offering a time to come together in support, reflection, and connection.

Above all, the most important priority of UMD Hillel is creating a safe environment for Jewish students. We remain in close communication with the UMD administration, urging them to maintain their efforts to eliminate hate and bias on campus and support the well-being of every Jewish student.

Our thoughts remain with all the Israelis, Jews, and innocent bystanders caught in the horrific war initiated on October 7. As the school year progresses, I look forward to the many moments we will share together. We continue to center our efforts around the theme: “While others are attempting to generate the noise of oy, we are focused on creating the music of joy.

B’Shalom,
Ari