October 9, 2023

Israel is at war after an unprecedented attack by Hamas. The most recent reports indicate that more than 900 lives have been lost so far. The initial attacks on Saturday are being compared to 9/11 or Pearl Harbor in U.S. history. We know that many ZBT brothers have personal ties to the country and the Israeli people, and our hearts are with you.

ZBT stands with Israel, now and always.

The Fraternity’s first priority has been to reach undergraduate chapters and brothers. Safety is a concern in the current campus climate. Anti-Israel and antisemitic protests were seen immediately after Saturday’s initial attacks and have continued in the days since. On Sunday, a chapter of another Jewish organization in California was targeted; fortunately, no one was harmed. Many of our undergraduates travel to Israel regularly to work or learn, and some serve in the Israeli or U.S. military.

ZBT is hosting an Israel education program this week as well as an alumni reception in Los Angeles and we have contacted our host location to ensure the strongest available security protocols are in place.

We are so proud of the chapters publicly supporting Israel. Many chapters and brothers have asked what they could do to support Israel further. Undergraduates are encouraged to attend or volunteer at a candlelight vigil on campus and to reach out to their local Jewish Federation or Jewish Community Center to provide manpower or support to their efforts. Many of our current undergraduates serve as student advocates and leaders in pro-Israel causes.

A few examples from our Chapters

ZBT was founded 125 years ago as a Zionist student organization and remains committed to supporting Israel, particularly at this moment in history. We stand steadfast in our support of the right of the State of Israel and its people to live in peace and security with its neighbors and the right of the Jewish people to self-determination in their historic homeland. We hope that peace is restored quickly.