The next message was emailed from Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin to all college students, college and employees on Oct. 11, 2023.

Expensive UW–Madison neighborhood,

I stand with our neighborhood in condemning the vicious terrorist assaults by Hamas on Israeli civilians final weekend.

I mourn for these misplaced. I pray for these injured and kidnapped. And I worry the terrifying inevitability of an incredible many additional deaths, of Israelis and Palestinians, of civilians and troopers. I fear, too, that these devastating developments will fan the worldwide flames of each anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, making peace and justice within the area much more elusive.

Politics within the Center East are exceedingly fraught, and there are various deeply held views. However the bloodbath of peculiar residents, of their houses, at music live shows, of their vehicles and on the streets of their villages, is a horror that we should all, in our frequent humanity, condemn.

As a basic matter, I’m skeptical that these in roles like mine ought to continuously touch upon international or world occasions.  Nonetheless, on this case, I acknowledge the grave diploma of impression these occasions have had on so very many in our personal neighborhood. It is because of this that I write, whilst I acknowledge that these or any phrases are inevitably insufficient within the face of such unspeakable tragedy.

Over the previous few days, as particulars concerning the huge scale and brutality of the weekend assaults have emerged, I’ve spoken to and heard from college students, college, employees, dad and mom, alums and neighborhood companions. It’s clear many people are combating learn how to course of this horror. Some are discovering it troublesome to concentrate on their lessons or their jobs within the face of what has occurred.

To the good many individuals in our neighborhood who’ve buddies, household and family members in Israel or the Palestinian Territories: my coronary heart goes out to you.

To those that are shaken, unsettled, and unhappy: you aren’t alone. We now have professionals and providers on this campus to look after our college students, employees and school. For many who really feel helpless about what they’ll do: attain out to at least one one other, join, and do your finest to observe much more compassion and beauty.

I’m grateful to colleagues in our Worldwide Division who’ve been in direct contact with our college students learning overseas in Israel and confirmed that every one are protected. They’re working to supply logistical assist as wanted. They’ve been in contact with these on our campus whom we all know are from Israel or the Palestinian Territories to supply assist.

Moreover, on Monday, this message from the Dean of College students was despatched to leaders of pupil organizations representing a variety of pursuits in Israel and the Center East, together with faith-based organizations, asking them to share with their members and different college students. If people or teams of scholars are struggling and in want of assist, please contact UHS Psychological Well being Companies.

As a way to foster larger data and understanding, we’re getting ready to assist facilitate public boards for our students and neighborhood. You’ll hear extra as these plans are confirmed.

Troublesome occasions can fray our connections and exacerbate our variations. Allow us to concentrate on the values that we share. I name on our campus neighborhood to look after and assist each other, to precise your views peacefully and respectfully, and to worth our frequent humanity as we navigate this extraordinarily troublesome time, collectively.

Jennifer L. Mnookin

Chancellor