Tag: Tel Aviv University

Tel Aviv University continues to assist both the residents of the south and the overall war effort.

October 22, 2023

Dear members of the TAU community – faculty and staff, students, and loyal friends,

We find ourselves in the third week of the war. In these days of mourning and sorrow, the likes of which we have not known in Israel, I visited many of the bereaved families from the university community. The events of the terrible massacre, intertwined with stories of bravery and sacrifice, leave no dry eye. You can find the names of the fallen on the university’s memorial page. Our hearts are with their families. In a project initiated by the chair of the TAU Student Union, we created a memorial exhibit at our Smolarz Auditorium. On each chair in an auditorium of over a thousand seats, there is a picture of one of the victims: the fallen, the murdered, and the captive. It is hard to divert your eyes from the image of Kfir, a nine-month-old baby, under whose face the word “hostage” appears. We experienced a holocaust, here in our land.

Tel Aviv University continues to assist both the residents of the south and the overall war effort. Families from the south are being hosted free of charge in the student dormitories, with more on the way. The university’s Sylvan Adams Sports Center has also opened its doors to evacuees from the south and north. In addition, a team has been established to work with the Vice President for Equality, Diversity, and Community, and the Dean of Students, whose joint role is to manage and promote volunteer activities on campus. The team includes Prof. Itai Ater (Coller School of Management), Prof. Liad Mudrik (School of Psychological Sciences), and Prof. Michal Feldman (Blavatnik School of Computer Science). In addition to activities that I reported to you in an update a week ago, we are currently recruiting volunteers to assist communities in the south in general, and those surrounding Gaza in particular. Members of the university community went to volunteer in moshav Ein Habesor. A few days ago, I visited our own Prof. Yftach Gepner from the Faculty of Medicine, whose brother was injured in the terrorist attack there. In the heat of the moment, Yftach managed to rescue his brother, who is now recovering in the hospital. We hope to send additional volunteers to other communities in the south in the coming days.

The university campus is functioning, but unfortunately without its students. It is important not to leave our reserve soldiers behind either financially or academically! Students called up to serve have been exempted from rent at the university dormitories for the month of October (it should be noted that the dormitories are not owned by the University), and all TAU students have had their tuition fee payments postponed. Through the Student Success Center, and thanks to our generous donors, we are working to provide student reservists with additional financial aid both for now and for when they return from the war. Our students from the south will also receive assistance from the Dean of Students in cases of economic need.

One last, very important issue that I want to address is incitement on campus. Our nerves are raw; the pain and anger affect us all. But precisely because of this, and because of who we are, we must act responsibly. We take very seriously any campus expressions of solidarity with Hamas terrorists. The TAU Rector recently distributed a letter clarifying that TAU will take a firm hand – within the limits of the law and university regulations – against these instigators, whose numbers are less than a handful. In the same vein, we must strongly denounce the shocking claim being made here and around the world, including on some university campuses in the US, that the Hamas massacre is a “political issue” about which differing views can be expressed under freedom of speech. There can be no greater mistake. There is no difference between this claim and the claim that the Holocaust is a controversial political issue that is open to legitimate debate.

At the same time, we are facing a worrisome phenomenon of incitement via social media, most probably by people outside the university community, against Arab students. False stories and baseless rumors are being spread about Arab students supposedly identifying with Hamas. We, the Jews, who have suffered blood libels for hundreds of years, need to be especially sensitive to this. Incitement against Arab students who have done no harm is wicked and cowardly. Not only does it harm the innocent, but it also endangers our national resilience, cohesion and security. We must condemn and distance ourselves from those inciting against the innocent. Please refrain from cooperating with them and think for a moment before forwarding posts that may not be true. This difficult period requires that we all exercise social responsibility.

Returning to campus and normal life will not be easy. The terrible personal and collective pain will not quickly subside. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we will rise and continue onward.

Yours sincerely,

Ariel Porat

Here are some of the messages sent from heads of universities abroad.

Dear campus community,

Since October 7th, we have been immersed in unbearable pain.

But even in the darkness there are glimmers of light. As is probably true for many of you, my email inbox has been flooded with dozens of messages from friends all over the world expressing their solidarity with our tragedy and offering help.

I feel it is right to share with you some of the messages sent from heads of universities abroad. They are particularly heartening in the face of the wave of protests against Israel that is sweeping through many campuses worldwide.

Ariel Porat

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Not much to say other than we are thinking of you, of the TAU community, and all Israelis as what has unfolded continues.

If there were something we could do to help, we would. We hope you are well and things turn quickly for the better.

Ron Liebowitz, President of Brandeis University

I know you are currently overwhelmed with responsibilities, but I wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you, your community, and all of Israel during this catastrophic and painful time.

I hope that you and your loved ones are as safe as can be, although I know there is no real safety under the circumstances.

I am heartened by the spirit of solidarity with Israel that I see throughout my campus and the broader community.

All words are small at such times. Even though my heart is broken I extend to you my deep friendship, best wishes, and hope that a resolution will be less painful than I worry it will be.

Shalom.

Howard Gillman, Chancellor, UC Irvine, California

We sincerely hope that you, your families, and the TAU community are safe in this terrible situation. We are following the news closely, with heavy hearts when seeing the great suffering caused by the war.

In friendship and solidarity

Bernd Huber,

President of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

I have watched with horror the shocking events unfolding over the past few days, and I wanted to send you a note of support. I cannot imagine what you and your colleagues and families must be going through right now.

At this very difficult time, please know that your friends at the University of Toronto are thinking of you.

Meric S. Gertler, President

University of Toronto

We have watched with horror and grave concern the terrible events and the suffering over the past few days.

We hope that you and your communities are safe and coping with this dreadful situation as best as you can.

With very best wishes

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President & Vice-Chancellor, The University of Manchester

On behalf of the Czech Academy of Sciences and on my own behalf, I want to express my support for our Israeli scientific colleagues and for the entire State of Israel. I was deeply shocked by this morning’s horrific news of infiltration of the hostile forces into your country, and I fully condemn this terrorist attack against Israel. We, as well as the Government of the Czech Republic, stand by Israel and its right for self-defence at this incredibly difficult time.

I hope that you, your families, colleagues, and friends are all right and safe, and believe that IDF would regain control and Israel would be victorious in this war very soon. My thoughts are with you!

Yours sincerely,

Prof. Dr. David Honys

Deputy Vice-President

President of the Council for International Affairs

Czech Academy of Sciences

The Dean and I wish to let you know how distressed we all were to hear about the horrific events that took place in Israel during these last few days.

We cannot find the words to express our sorrow and deep sympathy for all the victims, their families and their friends.

In the name of all of us at Venice International University, we wish to send you our most sincere condolences at this very difficult time.

In sorrow, Umberto Vattani, President

Carmelo Marabello, Dean

Venice International University

It is with great dismay that we received the news of the terrible attacks on Israel, in which so many innocent lives have been lost, and many others were taken hostage. The day the attacks started was supposed to be a holiday, a day for the people of Israel to rest and contemplate, but what has followed instead are days of unspeakable terror and fear. The fact that there were so many young people and even children among the victims makes these brutal attacks even more tragic. The situation leaves us completely speechless.

In these dark hours, our thoughts and hearts go out to the people of Israel, the victims, the hostages of the terrorist attacks, as well as their families – and to you as our partner university. Thank you for sharing any updates on the situation on your campus. Through your message we have learned that you already have to grieve for members of your university. We send out our sincere condolences – our thoughts are with you! We grieve with all those who have lost family, friends, or colleagues, or who still miss them.

We hope that the attacks will come to a swift end and that your country and your university will be able to return to some sort of normality as soon as possible. And we are looking forward to the times when the situation is safe enough for our universities to resume our exchange relations.

If there anything our university can do to support you in these dire times, please let us know.

Please stay safe.

Sincerely yours,

Professor Dr. Thomas Puhl

President, University of Mannheim

As Interim Rector of the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, I would like to express our shock and dismay about the brutal and inexcusable terrorist attacks on Israel and her people. We are utterly appalled by these cowardly acts of terrorism and particularly horrified by the terrorists’ savagery towards civilians, including women, children and the elderly. We grieve for the innocent lives lost, our thoughts are with the wounded as well as the innocent hostages and their loved ones.

Please be assured that we will do everything in our power to show our solidarity with you and your students at this terrible time.

Dear colleagues, we hope that you and your loved ones are safe. We stand with Israel.

Sincerely

Martin Weichbold,

Interim Rector, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg

We are deeply shocked by the recent violent attacks on Israel. Our sympathies go out to the victims and their families and friends. We are sending our deep condolences to all those who have lost loved ones or who still fear for them.

We stand firmly in solidarity with you, our friends and colleagues, and with our Israeli partner universities, with whom we have so many vivid and fruitful joint activities. Our visit in March was a wonderful experience, even though that week was already a week full of insecurities, protest, and fight for democracy. What happened now is beyond our imagination. We can only still hope for peace in the region sometime soon.

Thank you for informing and taking care of your international students and providing protected spaces if needed. We highly appreciate your efforts in the face of your own concerns for your families and friends.

We are thinking of you and wish you all the best in these difficult times.

Sincerely

Prof. Oliver Guenther, Ph.D.

President, University of Potsdam

With great shock and horror, we saw the pictures and read the reports about the attack on Israel.

Just a quick note to say that we think of you, mourn the victims of these horrible attacks and that we worry very much about the abducted. All of our empathy and solidarity go out to all of you!

I also wanted to assure you that we are in contact with all our Israeli students in Berlin including your exchange students and are offering psychological help or other help where needed.

Our president also has released a statement of solidarity on our website:

www.fu-berlin.de/en/international/profile/university-culture-and-global-…

Very best wishes,

Prof. Dr. Verena Blechinger-Talcott

Executive Vice President, Freie Universitat Berlin

On behalf of President Mathias Vicherat and the entire Sciences Po community, please allow me to express our solidarity after the appalling terrorist attacks that have impacted your country.

In keeping with the very close, strong and friendly relationships that Tel Aviv University and Sciences Po have entertained for years, we want to assure you that you can count on our support.

Since the weekend, we have carried in our thoughts our students, colleagues and friends from Israel. More than anything else, we hope very much that your students and faculty, and your close ones are safe, in security and in good health in spite of the shock.

Again, please receive our most heartfelt thoughts,

Sincerely,

Vanessa Scherrer, Vice President for International Affairs, Sciences Po

On behalf of POSTECH, we extend our most heartfelt condolences to Israel. We do hope that you and your loved ones are safe.

While we cannot fathom the devastation felt by the people of Israel, please know that we are with you in spirit during this time of difficulty. Our prayers are with all those affected.

For any member of Tel Aviv University who has been affected by the war in any way, we offer our sincere condolences. We are also aware that two students from Tel Aviv University will be visiting POSTECH as exchange students next spring. We will do our best to provide the support they need, and we wish all members of Tel Aviv University a safe and speedy return to their daily lives in the near future.

Warm regards,

Seong Keun Kim

President

POSTECH, The Republic of Korea

Milette passed on your thoughtful and compassionate letter to the Tel Aviv University community. My heart goes out to everyone. We consider you an extension of our extended family — please let us know if we can help in any way.

I hope for the safety of your students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Please know that we’re in touch with all of our visiting TAU students and have let them know we are here to support them. In terms of NYU Tel Aviv, all are safe and well, and the students were coincidentally scheduled to depart for a trip to NYU Abu Dhabi, which thankfully proceeded last Sunday.

 The atrocities of these terrorist acts are unspeakable, and I can only imagine the pain and devastation you’re experiencing at such close range. We are thinking of you and sending you strength.

As ever,

Linda G. Mills, NYU President

An update from the TAU rector, Prof. Mark Shtaif.

Dear staff, faculty and students

As we grieve for our lost ones and grapple with the events of October 7th, attempting to comprehend their profound impact on our lives within and beyond campus, we find ourselves confronted with a troubling surge of disinformation and, at times, blatant incitement. These elements are inundating the social networks frequented by our community members. In light of this, I would like to clarify a few important point:

1. Contrary to what is often stated on social media, the number of cases in which members of the campus community expressed support for the violent acts of Hamas is extremely small. The vast majority of the numerous complaints we have received pertain to the same few isolated incidents.
2. Most of the cases that have been brought to our attention have already been examined for factual correctness and referred to the university’s tribunal for a decision. The university tribunal is the only body authorized to rule on matters of punishment. As an institution that respects the law, we are obligated to adhere to it even in challenging times. In one of the cases, the tribunal has already imposed an interim suspension as a precautionary measure, and decisions regarding further interim suspensions in the other cases are expected to be made early next week.
3. Reports were also received about expressions of support for terrorism based on materials that were found to be false or were taken out of context. Unfortunately, many of these materials are circulated on social networks and are used for incitement against Arab students.

It is important to emphasize once again that the university’s policy categorically rejects any form of support for terrorism, particularly in these difficult days, and deals with them to the fullest extent possible under the law and according to the university’s regulations. The absolute majority of the campus community, Jews and Arabs alike, condemn these acts of terror and mourn deeply. Let us do our best to preserve our unity and respect the memory of the fallen and the victims.

I extend my condolences to our friends whose relatives were murdered and wish a speedy and complete recovery to the injured.

I also hope for the swift return of our abducted citizens.

Yours,

Prof. Mark Shtaif

Rector

Pictures of over 1,000 persons abducted, missing, or killed in the Hamas attack were displayed on empty seats in the Smolarz Auditorium at Tel Aviv University.

Under the motto UNITED AGAINST TERRORISM Tel Aviv University held an exhibit on Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Smolarz Auditorium which contains over 1,000 seats. Pictures of all persons abducted, missing, murdered, or killed, both citizens and IDF soldiers, were displayed on the empty seats. The initiative was led by Daniel Zilber, Chair of the TAU Student Union, in collaboration with TAU.

The exhibit is also part of a broad initiative led by Shaked Benafshi, initiator of the students’ public diplomacy war room UNITED AGAINST TERRORISM, which includes dozens of support rallies and exhibits at approximately 20 leading universities in the US and Europe, to assist Israel’s public diplomacy efforts and expose the horrors of the Hamas terror attack. Participating campuses include Harvard, Yale, NYU, MIT, University of Michigan, Columbia, and many others.

Daniel Zilber, Chair of the TAU Student Union: “At this time we are still in the midst of the inferno, in the midst of war. Many of the dead have not been identified yet, the wounded are just beginning to heal, in both body and soul, and our families, our friends, are lost. We are here to try to illustrate, even slightly, the extent of the horror, and show the world: we have been butchered. This is neither a slogan nor a cliché: Despite the carnage, we shall triumph. Despite the disaster, we shall come out stronger. We, the students, the future generation of the state of Israel, will do everything to make sure that such a disaster never happens again, not on our watch!”

Shaked Benafshi, former Chair of the National Union of Israeli Students: “The rallies and exhibits in support of Israel, including the War Room we opened this week, which includes over 100 students all over the world, prove that international solidarity does exist when it comes to unacceptable acts of terrorism. We see students coming together in unprecedented ways, to strengthen Israel’s publicity and stand behind us. Also, since we assume that as time goes by international public opinion will probably turn against Israel, we regard the activities of citizens and students in dozens of countries worldwide as a strategic asset for Israel’s public diplomacy.”

Liyam Chitayat, freshman at MIT: “Our lives have been shattered, divided forever into before and after. We have lost family members, friends, and communities in the worst, most inhuman ways possible. We are conducting this activity to show the faces and stories behind the numbers and stand together openly and proudly. We will not be afraid and will speak out for our brothers and sisters in Israel.”

Join Tel Aviv University in its war effort.

In the State of Israel’s hour of need, Tel Aviv University is asking friends around the world to urgently assist in helping students, families from the country’s south, and members of the wider community.

Within half a day of the Hamas invasion on October 7th, TAU’s Dean of Students set up psychological hotlines in Hebrew and English. The University is now busy expanding its teams of therapists and social workers; providing temporary housing in the dorms for evacuees; sending DNA specialists to help identify victims; offering free dental first aid; fighting fake news in social media, and holding major drives for food, clothing and medical supplies, among numerous other forms of assistance and volunteerism.

This is just the beginning 

At the moment the number TAU students who are fighting in the war, or affected by it, is unclear, but it’s estimated at 5,000. We already know of a number of fallen, murdered, kidnapped or missing students. From preliminary calls that the Dean of Students Office proactively made to students, the suffering is dire, and the upcoming financial, psychological and academic needs will be significant.

How can you help? 

Your contribution to the TAU Emergency Fund will be allocated on a discretionary, needs-based manner to support the following:

Immediate Assistance 

• Funding for temporary dorm housing for evacuees from the south, for which the University pays out $1,800 per month per family. Several families have already moved in.
• Funding for student and faculty initiatives in the south, in collaboration with TAU departments and civil society organizations. Examples include interventions for war-shocked children suffering nightmares, support groups for parents, and guidance for educators.
• Funding for psychological therapy for students and staff of TAU, IDF soldiers, and the general public suffering from panic, anxiety, trauma or depression. A course of therapy averages $800 per student. The hotline costs $25K per month (two lines @ 8 hours a day). In addition, the need for PTSD interventions at TAU’s National Center for Traumatic Stress and Resilience will be both pressing and massive, and we will need major funding of up to $1 million per year to expand expert clinical services.
• Financial aid for students with difficulties, for example those from Israel’s south whose lives are being upended by constant rocket attacks, or whose family members might have been killed, injured or abducted. Other students are missing work hours due to nationwide closures; or might have to care for someone affected by the crisis. An urgent need is for housing in the Tel Aviv area; funding could help pay for dorm rooms, hotel rooms or rooms in apartments. Allocations will come in the form or partial or complete tuition, living and/or housing stipends of up to $6K per student.

Critical Support 

• Combat soldier scholarships for our brave reservist students who were called up and might serve up to three months’ straight. It is our duty to free them from worries about missed studies and work, and to guarantee their academic futures and careers. Lone soldiers are particularly vulnerable. In previous military operations, this kind of assistance made all the difference for students who might have otherwise lost a semester or entire academic year. Allocations will come in the form or partial or complete tuition, living and/or housing stipends of up to $7K per student.
• Funding for academic tutoring for both returning combat soldiers and regular students who have missed important study material and who need help to complete courses and save the semester. Allocations begin at $1,500 per tutor.

University and college buildings across the country were illuminated in the colors of the Israeli flag this evening:

University and college buildings across the country, from Tel Hai in the North, to Sapir in the South, were illuminated in the colors of the Israeli flag this evening (Tuesday) at 7:30 p.m., in an effort to show support for the security and rescue forces, as well as all citizens and residents of the State of Israel, which is undergoing a continuous war.

At Tel Aviv University, our national pride was on display as the campus was adorned with iconic symbols. The “Broshim” dormitory now showcases a large illuminated Israeli flag, while the windows of the Broadcom Building, home to the advanced research and development center for the Faculty of Engineering and Broadcom company, were meticulously lit to form the distinct outline of the Israeli flag. Positioned prominently along the Ayalon highway, these illuminated structures served as a proud testament to the university’s commitment to its national identity, catching the eye of every passing driver.

According to the initiative’s organizers, “Our hearts go out to the families of those who have been brutally murdered, wounded, kidnapped, captured, and those still missing.”

There are many faculty members and students who have been called up for military service, with the entire country being mobilized and taking part in fighting or strengthening the Home Front.

Educational institutions want to make sure they know we are always behind them, thinking of and worrying about them, and we are praying for their safe return home!

“May this light illuminate your path and inspire hope among all of Israel.”

One of the buildings of  Broshim Student Dormitories

 

“We all share the responsibility to educate our communities.”

To our colleagues, heads of universities around the world,

These are difficult times. We thank you for the support and concern we have already received from so many of you.

As you are aware, early last Saturday morning, Hamas carried out an unusually brutal and violent attack primarily against civilians, within Israel. While the leadership of some academic institutions has issued public condemnations, we learned that in others this has been regarded as just “one more event” in the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, which can be understood from multiple perspectives.

We would like to emphasize that this is far from the truth.  This was an act of singular barbaric violence which must be thoroughly renounced.  To show why this is so, we will need to share some truly disturbing details, as referred to in President Biden’s speech and now coming to light in the international press. We know that these will disturb you no less than they have shaken us.

On the Sabbath and Sukkoth holiday and 50 years almost to the day after the fateful Yom Kippur War, Hamas unleashed a surprise rocket attack on Israel from Gaza, reaching as far north as the Tel Aviv and Jerusalem areas, while simultaneously Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants breached the border and brutally massacred those in the communities just across the border inside Israel – women, elderly, children, young families. Kids attending a music festival, peace activists, elderly people in their 80’s, toddlers.  Hundreds. Many were slaughtered on the spot, others huddled in their homes for hours before being found and killed or were held hostage in their homes or communities under constant threat of death, while still others were taken captive and brought into Gaza. Horrific videos posted by Hamas from Gaza show the parading of injured hostages in the street to great cheering, show cruelty to children, taunting of the elderly, show rape and torture.

All this as hundreds of Israelis were injured or killed by indiscriminate rocket fire, which has hit both Jewish towns and Bedouin and Arab villages.  Just two days ago, a mosque in the village of Abu Ghosh was hit by rocket fire.

Let’s be clear.  This is not “war as usual” or just another chapter in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  There are not “good people on both sides”.  Hamas and Islamic Jihad have proven themselves to be cruel, barbaric organizations reminiscent of the Taliban and the Islamic State.

We have heard of initiatives undertaken by faculty and students on some campuses in countries outside of Israel to support Hamas and Islamic Jihad actions, and we understand that there has not always been a clear response from academic leadership to such signs of support. We hope that you will agree with us that there can be no support for such terror organizations in Western democratic societies, just like there is no support for Al Qaeda or the Islamic State. There can be no support for purposeful massacres of civilian populations, or for the taking civilian hostages.

As the guardians of higher education and academia, actively pursuing knowledge for the benefit of humanity, as role models for and teachers of the leadership of tomorrow, we all share the responsibility to educate our communities.

What values are we passing on? Freedom of speech and academic freedom, absolutely.  But a stand against barbaric violence perpetrated on civilian populations?  We know you join us in renouncing such acts of violence.

Yours,

Prof. Arie Zaban, President, Bar-Ilan University; Chairperson – Association of University Heads – VERA

Prof. Daniel A. Chamovitz, President, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Prof. Alon Chen, President, Weizmann Institute of Science

Prof. Asher Cohen, President, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Prof. Leo Corry, President, the Open University of Israel

Prof. Ehud Grossman, President, Ariel University

Prof. Ariel Porat, President, Tel-Aviv University

Prof. Ron Robin, President, University of Haifa

Prof. Uri Sivan, President, the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology

Dear faculty, staff, and students, 

Let me begin by expressing deep, almost unbearable sorrow for the death of over 1,200 women, men, and children, murdered or killed in the horrific crime perpetrated against the Jewish people in its homeland. I am immensely grieved by the death of 11 of our students and relatives of our faculty members, who have been murdered or killed in this atrocious attack. Their names can be found in this link which, sadly, we are updating as information flows in.

May their memory be blessed.  

Almost a week has gone by since the brutal massacre, and the enormous emotional burden grows heavier every day. We are burying our dead; we are exposed to more and more atrocities; we were devastated to discover that even small infants were not spared from the slaughter; and we are desperately concerned for the fate of the hostages. Indeed, such personal torment and nationwide anguish we have never known in the state of Israel, and the end is nowhere in sight.  

TAU has harnessed all its strength and abilities to support the nationwide efforts. We have established an emergency fund to provide financial assistance, and considerably reinforced the psychological services offered to the TAU community, including opening hotlines in both Hebrew and English. Our faculties and schools are personally contacting students who live in southern Israel or serve in the armed forces. We are hosting families of our students from the south in the TAU dorms. 

Together with the Student Union, TAU is recruiting volunteers from the TAU community, to help wherever help is needed. We are extremely proud of our Student Union, who are collecting food, clothing, medical equipment, and other necessities for mobilized soldiers and residents of southern Israel who have become refugees in their own land. In the coming days we will look for faculty members who can offer assistance in their own areas of expertise – such as social work, dentistry, various fields of medicine, psychology, law, etc. In fact, volunteer activities have already begun in the Schools of Dentistry and Social Work. We are turning to faculty, staff, and students, to ask whether they wish to host Israelis from the south in their own homes.  

But while we hurt and grieve, as individuals and as a nation, there are those who applaud the bloodshed. In places around the world, including the campuses of some renowned universities, we witness rising BDS activities, justifying the atrocities perpetrated by the butchers of Hamas. It is very hard to read or watch these posts in the social networks. It is hard to observe the feebleness of certain leaders of academic institutions, who do not do enough to prevent this abuse of freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is not an absolute right. It must be trumped by the sanctity of life and the value of personal safety. It cannot protect expressions of hatred or incitement to murder and violence. I would expect my colleagues, heads of academic institutions, especially in the USA, to treat students and personnel who justify the slaughter as they would have treated anyone who justified the events of 9/11. I would expect them to condemn–clearly, firmly, and unequivocally–the horrendous massacre that has taken place in our land. Some have done so. But others have not.  

Against this background, TAU is adding media outreach to its tasks. Some of our international students are already doing very valuable work in this respect. With the help of our Student Union, we are recruiting students who will operate in the social networks, to refute the terrible lies that might influence naïve, unknowing audiences who are unaware of what our enemy has done to us.  

Finally, I must speak of expressions of hatred and incitement right here on campus. A few of our students have expressed support for the atrocities of Hamas. Their number is very small, but that detracts nothing from the gravity of this phenomenon. We will be very strict with this handful of students, and when we feel the offense is criminal in nature, we shall report them to the police. We will act swiftly, as required in this sensitive situation, but will not deny any student the right to a fair investigation of the facts. A society is tested in its difficult hours – and none are more difficult than those we are experiencing today. Democracy and human rights are not to be suspended in wartime. If anything, their importance increases.   

At the same time, we are seeing deplorable incitement from extremists against our own students, whose only fault is being Arab. The Hamas murderers made no distinction between Jews and Arabs, and in their despicable attack many Arab Israelis were also killed and injured. The phenomenon of incitement against Arabs on our campus is of small proportions, but it shall not be overlooked. Inciters of any kind will not be tolerated. As noted above, a society is tested in its hour of calamity. TAU will serve as a model in this matter as well.  

I wish you all better days.  

Yours, 

Ariel Porat 

Tel Aviv University addresses the current situation.

My dear Governors, Friends, Alumni, and other members of the Tel Aviv University community in Israel and around the world, 

As I write these lines, the media is reporting that over 700 individuals have tragically lost their lives in the horrendous terror attack on the State of Israel. Unfortunately, it seems this number may rise. Reports suggest over 100 people have been taken captive, and even here, the number is not final. 

It is hard to describe the magnitude of the pain each and every one of us is experiencing these days. The images of grandparents kidnapped with their grandchildren, of a father left without his wife and children, of young children witnessing the murder of their parents – these pictures remind us of other bloody events in our people’s history. The determination to respond is stronger than ever, mixed with shock, tears and agonizing sorrow. Today, we are all united in our resolve that such an event should never happen again. 

We suspect there are victims from our university community, although it is still difficult to assess their number. The Dean for Student Success is working with the faculties and schools to establish contact with students and faculty members living in Israel’s South, or serving in the IDF and other security forces. TAU, along with the other universities in Israel, is postponing the start of the academic year by at least a week. We are significantly expanding the scope of psychological services we provide to the university community. TAU is also exploring ways to assist families from the south of the country, both with psychological counseling and with finding alternative housing until the war concludes. 

In recent days, many of our supporters and others have reached out to me to express their terrible grief and participation in our sorrow. We feel deeply that all of you are with us. We are one family. I hope that the war in which we find ourselves will end quickly and that calm will return. We do not cease to think about the Israeli hostages being held by the enemy. This situation is very distressing. We pray for their well-being. 

The State of Israel is the home of the Jewish people, not only for those who live in it. Your support during this difficult time is more important to us than ever. 

Yours sincerely, 

Ariel Porat