With deep sadness and concern, we watched the attack on Israel and the resulting escalation of conflict across the region. The violence and loss of life in Israel and Gaza is heartbreaking. The escalation has been particularly traumatic for our Jewish, Israeli, and Middle Eastern community members—including students, faculty, staff and alumni—who have family, friends, and colleagues in—or direct ties to—the region. The University strongly condemns all acts of violence, hate, or discrimination of any kind, and we extend our greatest sympathies to all affected by these horrific events.
We recognize that violence of this magnitude touches every member of our community across the globe in different ways. As an institution of higher education, our mission is to educate, providing safe spaces and resources for the sharing of respectful dialogue and questions. We can—and we must—use our voices to come together in civility to denounce violence and terrorism wherever and whenever it occurs.
On Monday, October 9, at 4 p.m., the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, in partnership with many local organizations, hosted a “Solidarity Rally for Support of Israel" at West Hartford Town Hall, 50 S. Main St. The University had a shuttle available for students who wished to attend and needed transportation.
On Tuesday, October 10, at 4:30 p.m., the University will host a gathering in front of GSU. We will be led in prayer and reflection by members of the University community. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Faculty teaching at that hour may have students who wish to attend. We ask for your understanding of such requests.
Additional student support is available at CAPS by calling 860.768.4482 or by emailing burda@hartford.edu. Faculty and staff may seek additional resources through our Employee Assistance Program. The Department of Public Safety is also available and actively participating in campus and regional efforts in enhanced security and safety. Public Safety can be reached 24 hours a day at 860.768.7985 or via LiveSafe.
We will continue to work together, with empathy and compassion, to support our friends, colleagues, and community, with hopes of peace and resolution.