As people of faith, we stand on the side of the suffering and mourning with a continued hope for peace among all people. In the past months, our world has witnessed natural destruction, the devastation caused by famine in various places worldwide, and the reality of war. The most recent attacks on Israel and Gaza point to a history that cannot be ignored. We acknowledge the significance of the region, both historical and religious, to many faith traditions. We oppose terrorism and oppression in all its forms. We pray for the dead and for the living, we pray for a return of those taken, and we pray for all those who on this day live in fear.

There is a shared beauty among faith traditions that firmly believe in the deep hope of our shared humanity. In these times, may we not forget that, beyond borders and differences, it is our human family that suffers. May there be peace.

Dear Campus Community,

I am devastated by the escalating violence that is happening in Israel and Gaza. My heart is heavy as I watch this terrifying war unfold thousands of miles away, and feel it painfully resonating here in our local community. I grieve the terrible loss of life among Israelis and Palestinians. I stand horrified at the savage abduction of Israelis by Hamas combatants. I fear for the lives of civilians on all sides as the situation continues to spiral.

Like many of you, I have family and loved ones in the region; some of us have family members who have been killed or injured. I pray that all who are at risk and are living in fear for their safety be sheltered and protected from harm. 

While the situation in Israel is complex and multi-layered and members of our community hold a range of views about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we can all agree that violence has never been and will never be the answer. And so we watch closely, filled with sadness and dread, as casualties mount in Israel, Gaza, and beyond.

At University Ministry, we believe that all lives are precious and valuable. It is hard not to despair reading the polarizing discourse filling social media right now. 

In the words of my colleague Reb Irwin Keller from Cotati, “Jewish tradition trains us up in holding conflicting truths simultaneously. The murder and kidnapping of civilians are atrocious acts of terror and unacceptable. We also are aware that people who are oppressed will rise up and resist. While right now we are focused on what is happening today and demanding an immediate end to the violence, in the months ahead we will be obligated to look at context. A lasting peace must necessarily involve healing and change.”

By educating people who are committed to justice and equity, and who are able to resolve conflicts peacefully, we believe there is hope for the future. 

Jewish values and teachings can provide guidance for how we and others might hold conflict in respectful and holy ways. Grappling with these principles is a way to honor the Jewish tradition of wrestling with difficult questions, supporting our community in critical thinking and self-reflection, and preparing you to become engaged and caring members of your communities.

As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said: “We are tied together in a single garment of destiny, caught in an inescapable network of mutuality. And whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.”

I know these words will land differently for each of us. There is room for all of our different reactions to this extremely difficult situation. I am with you in the struggle to make sense of everything we feel, hear, and read. You have a place here, full stop.

May the God who values every life with compassion end this war quickly, save every innocent life, return every captive safely and soon, heal every wound, and comfort every mourner. May the One who brings peace bring peace to our people and all people. L'Shalom.

With prayers for peace and prayers for comfort to all who are suffering,

Rabbi Camille Shira Angel
University Ministry