October 9 Message by Jewish Life at Duke Regarding Israel
The following message was shared on Jewish Life at Duke’s social media channels on October 9, 2023:
On what has been an unprecedented weekend of terror in Israel, we are heartbroken to hear of the hundreds of lives lost, the thousands of people injured, and the ongoing violence.
This weekend was supposed to be full of celebration and joy, as the Jewish community observed the holidays of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Instead, the worldwide Jewish community finds itself in mourning.
This is an incredibly difficult time for our community, especially those with close friends, family, and loved ones living in Israel. Watching these events unfold from afar is shocking.
Jewish Life at Duke is here to support students through this deeply challenging moment. Come by the Freeman Center, or reach out to us to meet with one of our engagement team one-on-one.
Students, please join us for a Duke community vigil on Monday, 10/9 at 5:30 pm on the Bryan Center Plaza. Let’s gather in community and in prayer for the victims, their families, and for peace.
Oseh shalom bimromav hu ya-aseh shalom, aleinu v’al kol Yisrael.
May the one who makes peace in the heavens make peace for us and for all the people of Israel.
Recent Communication and Gatherings:
- Saturday, October 7: Letter sent to Jewish Duke students from Director for Jewish Life Joyce Gordon
- Sunday, October 8: Organized by Jewish Life at Duke, students gathered together with staff for prayer, reflection, conversation, and comfort
- Monday, October 9: Above, message shared on Jewish Life at Duke social media
- Monday, October 9: A community vigil was held on Duke’s Bryan Center Plaza
- Tuesday, October 10: Note sent to Jewish Duke students from Director for Jewish Life Joyce Gordon
- Monday, October 30: Letter to Duke’s Jewish Alumni, Parents, & Friends Regarding Campus Culture by Director for Jewish Life Joyce Gordon
- Monday, November 13: Campus Update from Director for Jewish Life Joyce Gordon
- February 12: Duke Provost Alec Gallimore announces Provost’s Initiative on the Middle East
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About Jewish Life at Duke
Jewish Life at Duke (JLD) is the hub for all things Jewish on Duke’s campus. An accredited Hillel as well as a department within Duke University’s Division of Student Affairs, Jewish Life at Duke is guided by a mission to empower Jewish students to learn and grow intellectually and spiritually; to inspire and nurture personal paths to Jewish identity; and to cultivate community and friendship. Comprising the Freeman Center for Jewish Life and the Rubenstein-Silvers Hillel, JLD takes a pluralistic approach to Judaism to ensure that all Jewish students, regardless of affiliation, are welcome and included.
100% of JLD’s operating budget comes from donations from alumni, parents, and friends.
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