The Jay Phillips Centers at the University of St. Thomas and Saint John’s University affirm our solidarity with all those who in any way have been affected by the recent genocidal attack by Hamas terrorists on people in Israel —  especially those who have loved ones who were killed, wounded or taken as hostages — and also with innocent civilians in Gaza and elsewhere who have been directly and indirectly affected by the Israeli government and military response to the Hamas attack. Along with millions of people in Israel and worldwide, we grieve the suffering and death on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We hope and pray that the Israelis and Palestinians who yearn for peace will be able to bring about a just solution to this conflict and thereby increase the collaboration and friendship that many of them have already fostered between their communities.

Acknowledging that brief statements like this inevitably fall short of the reality about which they speak, both because of what they say and what they leave out, we recognize that they remain important for fostering awareness and advocating for peaceful solutions. In times such as these, the inadequacy of silence compels us to amplify diverse voices that promote understanding and empathy, and that may help to promote dialogue and change. Below are some of these diverse voices.

Statements

• St. Thomas President Vischer Shares Message on Violence in Israel and Gaza (published 10 Oct 2023): “We hold close to our hearts the innocent lives taken as a result of this past weekend’s terrorist attacks in Israel. The images and stories emerging from the region are beyond horrific, and the pain is expected to intensify as fighting escalates. The University of St. Thomas condemns these attacks, mourns the hundreds of lives lost, and grieves for the thousands of people whose families were impacted.” Click here to read full statement…
• Statement from Jewish Community Action: “We are mourning the death and violence happening in Israel and Gaza. We witnessed a massacre perpetrated by Hamas on Israeli citizens. And now, we are witnessing the catastrophic loss of Palestinian life as Israel counterattacks.” Click here to read full statement…
• “Amid the Israel-Palestine Conflict, I Feel Despair and Resolve,” Eboo Patel, (published 12 OCT 2023): “I find myself in a spirit of both despair and resolve. Despair about events in the world, resolve to do my part to make it better.” Click here to read full statement…
• “Religions for Peace Statement on the Israel-Hamas Conflict” (published 10 OCT 2023): “Religions for Peace is horrified and deeply saddened by the tragic events that took place in Israel this weekend. Our heavy hearts and collective prayers go out to all those affected, especially those who have lost loved ones and those who remain captive.” Click here to read full statement…