Our thoughts are with the victims and their families of the hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, on Saturday, Jan. 15. This situation happened just over three short years since the murderous attack at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, a confrontation that also occurred during Shabbat services. We join with those who are advocating for an investigation of the role antisemitism may have played in motivating the suspect in Colleyville.
We condemn antisemitism and the proliferation of anti-Jewish hate. Rather than allowing hate and those who promote it to divide us, we will continue to stand in community with one another and support the rights of all to gather together in peace and safety.
We are all diminished by antisemitic violence. But we can work to come together in community, by recognizing that discriminatory rhetoric can lead to violence, by living our Principles of Community, and by supporting our Jewish family, friends and colleagues who will feel the reverberations of this violent act for some time.
If you are feeling the impact of this event, please do not hesitate to reach out to campus services for support. Counseling and Psychological Services provides assistance for students. Our Employee Assistance Program offers counseling and support to employees. If you need to report discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics, please contact the Office of Equity and Equal Protection.
