Home > Latest Campus Climate Update > Campus Climate Update 3
Latest Campus Climate Update
Campus Climate Update #3
October 7, 2024
Dear Maryland Hillel Community,
My remarks on Rosh HaShana at Maryland Hillel focused on the 19th century Chassidic Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Kotkz’s charge that there is nothing more whole than a broken heart. Exactly one year ago, our Jewish heart was broken, traumatized, and hammered. We were down and we are still in shock and mourning. Today is a hard day for Jews in Israel and around the world. Today will be a very hard day on campus too: A hard day for Hersh’s first cousin, may Hersh’s name live on in blessing; a hard day for friends of Omer from Long Island; a hard day for family members in Israel; a hard day for those whose siblings are in the IDF; a hard day for those up North facing Hezbollah rockets; a hard day for those down South facing Hamas rockets; a hard day for those in Tel Aviv last week and Beer Sheva yesterday. And a hard day for innocent civilians in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and elsewhere who are caught up in this conflict. While ultimate moral responsibility rests with those who target civilians and hide behind them, we are heartbroken for all the human suffering unleashed by the cowardly 10/7 attacks.
There is no escape from evil and antisemitism. Sadly, our campus isn’t immune to Jew hatred and those who seek to deny our deep, ingrained and very personal connection between our Jewish identity and supporting love of Zionism. SJP’s callous and emotionally charged desire to gather today, today of all days, is so hard to fathom and needs to be condemned. Yet, our Jewish community remains a blessing, and we are resilient; our student leaders continually inspire me with their actions, words, behavior and willingness to give so much of themselves. What they planned today to raise awareness and educate campus is so uplifting and inspiring. Please see below for the full slate of reflective opportunities planned for today.
I personally spoke to UMPD Chief Mitchell who assured and reassured me that they are on top of all security concerns today. They are out in force all day, and called in extra security personnel to bolster the safety of campus including ID checks. They will also be fully present at our vigil tonight that will take place at Hillel due to our ability to use amplification which is banned on campus during the week. We continue to be grateful for the tireless support and watchful eye of the University of Maryland Police Department.
If you are in the area, and not planning on attending the Jewish Community gathering in DC, please join over 1,000 Jewish Terps on campus tonight in a show of solidarity at 8 pm, at Maryland Hillel (7612 Mowatt Lane). Please note that due to security and crowd control, the police will be closing off Mowatt Lane, and free parking is available in Lot 1 off of Campus Drive. If you are unable to attend, you can livestream the vigil on the Maryland Hillel Facebook page.
In continuing to support student efforts and combat antisemitism on campus, we have established a fund to directly support and amplify these initiatives. Any donation helps cover programmatic pieces such as the events taking place today, Israel advocacy on campus, and more.
May we all find comfort today as we gather in strength, memory and in solidarity with one another. May it pass peacefully for our beloved campus community.
Wishing everyone a meaningful Yom Kippur ahead; and may 5785 be a year of peace and healing for the global Jewish community and people of Israel.
Ari
Overview of opportunity for reflection:
