In recent news, it has been almost impossible to not be exposed to information online and on the news about the Israel/Hamas conflict and the high victim toll that it has amassed in recent days.
President Joe Biden responded after visiting Israel and providing aid by further stating that “when America experienced the hell of 9/11, we felt enraged as well. While we sought and got justice, we made mistakes. So, I cautioned the government of Israel not to be blinded by rage. And here in America, let us not forget who we are. We reject all forms—all forms of hate, whether against Muslims, Jews, or anyone. That’s what great nations do, and we are a great nation.”
In response to this, many organizations and larger institutions have responded to the crisis.
Elizabethtown College President Betty Rider sent out a statement to the College community on Oct. 17 stating that her “thoughts are with the victims and all who have been impacted by this conflict. My focus is on the care of our Etown College community, and those of our students, colleagues, and alumni who have personal ties to Israel, Gaza, and Palestine. The devastation and weight accompanying these incomprehensible acts leave many of us feeling helpless and overwhelmed. No one should live in fear because of their identity or religion. As a society, we must do better and support the innocent people whose lives have been uprooted in chaos.”
On Oct. 12, Hillel came together and held a vigil for the people of Israel where they hoped that people would come together in support and respect in response to the conflict. The College supported this gathering by putting it on their social media platforms. In addition, they may be a good resource for those of Jewish descent and faith to feel supported on campus during this time. Antisemitism has never been supported or allowed on campus.
For Middle Eastern Culture Club, they have been trying to inform the general student body as well: “Our main goal is to spread awareness about the Palestinian side of the conflict, we do want to plan an informative meeting for anyone to join to spread awareness and also inform people on what Palestinians have gone through and are going through.”
Nick Wiley, a junior political science major here at Etown said: “It breaks my heart to see the death toll increasing. We’re watching an ethnic cleansing, and my thoughts go out to all the families still in Gaza. I was involved with a protest in Lancaster over the weekend calling for a ceasefire. It’s important to make our voices heard so our elected officials don’t casually support the atrocities going on.”
Rider ends her message to the College with a statement that all students should take with them during this difficult time: “It is our mission to proactively promote our peacebuilding values. I encourage you all to work together with those values at the forefront of your dialogue to foster relationships based on honesty, integrity, and ethics.”
For anyone impacted directly or indirectly by the conflict, please reach out to resources on campus as well as in the community. Counseling services are available for free to all students who wish to seek it out as well as Human Resources. The following individuals are also available:
Josh Cohen, Hillel Advisor
Nichole Gonazlez, Vice President of Student Life & Dean of Students
Darcey Mills, Director of Equity & Belonging
Reverend Amy Shorner-Johnson
Hossein Varamini, Middle Eastern Student Association Advisor
