Dear Steinhardt Community,
 
In light of the unfolding situation, I feel compelled to expand upon the statement I sent on Monday, October 9 and to share additional thoughts and resources with the Steinhardt community.

Let me reiterate: I unequivocally condemn the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel and the accompanying slaughter and hostage-taking, the victims of which included women and children and the elderly. The memory of the Holocaust looms large for our Jewish community as October 7th now represents the largest loss of life in a single day since that reprehensible period in the world’s history.

I know that Hamas does not speak for the vast majority of the Palestinian people, so I am also gravely concerned for innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians caught in this conflict. It is tragic and devastating to see these events unfold.

Jan Karski, a Polish underground supporter of Jewish people and others in World War II, wrote that “the common humanity of people…is the only real protector of human rights.” For us, this means we must be vigilant in repudiating all forms of antisemitism, Islamophobia, or other forms of discrimination and hate on campus, even as we try to remember the ties that connect us all, focus on what we share in common, and try to understand and cope with these difficult realities. Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and hate of all forms cannot underpin our discourse – our Jewish students feel targeted and attacked, as do our Muslim and Palestinian students. 
 
There are many resources available to assist members of the NYU community who find themselves in need of support. These include the Center for Multicultural Education and Programs, the Bronfman Center, the Islamic Center at NYU, and the Center for Global Spiritual Life, as well as 24/7 support for students through the Wellness Exchange (212-443-9999), 24/7 resources for employees through NYU’s Employee Assistance Program, and Campus Safety’s 24/7 hotline for reporting emergencies (212-998-2222).
 
We at NYU Steinhardt are thinking about you, your families, and loved ones. This includes all those seeking to live in peace in the region.

Sincerely, 
Jack H. Knott
Gale and Ira Drukier Dean