On October 7, Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, launched an unprovoked invasion of southern Israel with one mission: to murder Jews. Many are referring to this attack as Israel’s 9/11. While details continue to emerge, we know that a thousand Israelis have already been murdered and thousands more are wounded. Many are still being held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza. At least 14 Americans have been killed so far and more are among the hostages. The violence is senseless: from babies beheaded, civilians mutilated and women raped in front of their dead friends to the kidnapping of an elderly Holocaust Survivor into Gaza.
On the most joyous day of the Hebrew Calendar, when Israelis and Jews worldwide celebrate Simchat Torah, the Emory community sees our brothers and sisters in Israel gunned down indiscriminately and systematically. Hamas has maimed Israelis and taken their dead bodies hostage and paraded on the streets of Gaza.
Emory University undergraduate, graduate, law and medical students, alums, professors and staff stand unapologetically with the only Jewish state in the world. Emory alumni currently serve in the Israel Defense Force (IDF) on the frontlines to protect the Jewish homeland. These are people we know and love; we are fearful for their lives and their safety. A true friend of Israel and the Jewish community is a friend in times of peace and war. Israel is at war, and the Jewish community calls on your friendship.
Emory’s administrators have long called to recognize the importance of fostering a campus environment that values diversity, inclusivity and respect for all students, regardless of national, ethnic or religious background. This must include Jewish and Israeli students. You must stand in solidarity with your community members and send a clear message that they are supported and valued by all members of our university administration.
An estimated 30% of Emory’s student body identifies as Jewish. Your silence is an utter disservice and embarrassment. We are unsatisfied with blank statements that do not condemn Hamas or acknowledge the severe trauma our community is undergoing. This is not about the “cultural, historical, political and ethical dimensions of the region and this conflict,” as Emory College of Arts and Sciences Dean Barbara Krauthamer wrote in an email to College undergraduates earlier today. It simply should not be difficult to condemn terrorism and barbaric violence in a timely manner. Silence during this time is akin to that of the Holocaust.
Peer institutions, such as the University of Miami, Brandeis University, University of Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins University, have made univocal, model statements of support for Israel that unequivocally condemned Hamas’ actions. The United States, France, Italy, Germany and the UK have also released a joint statement supporting Israel and condemning Hamas.
Pro-Hamas demonstrators cheered “Death to Israel” in Tehran, “Gas the Jews” outside the Sydney Opera House and a New York City protestor held a swastika at anti-Israel demonstrations. This hateful speech now transcends college campuses nationwide. There are currently 45 anti-Israel community rallies and 20 anti-Israel campus rallies this week, the closest one to Emory being just six miles away from us at Georgia State University. Jewish students do not feel safe on Emory’s campus.
As such, we urge Emory to make a university-wide unequivocal statement of support for our ally, Israel, and her right to defend herself. We demand you explicitly condemn Hamas and their terrorist attacks. We urge you to create and publicize support and mental health resources for Jewish students on campus. We urge you to make a genuine and equal effort to support Jewish students as you should for any other group.
We have made lifelong friends in study abroad programs and internships in Israel. They are in danger. We have family and friends in Israel. They are in danger. As Americans, we are inextricably connected to Israel and the Israeli people. And we need you to elevate our voices. Now.
Emory students will be gathering at the main quad on Wednesday at 5:30 to demonstrate their resolute support for Israel in wake of this tragedy, mourn the lives lost, and pray for the safe return of the hostages taken. Any Emory student, faculty, staff member or alumnus who wishes to sign can comment to add their name on this document.
Thank you.
