| Tiger Talk |
| Dear Parents, Alumni, and Friends of Towson Hillel, Towson Hillel is aware of an “All Out for Palestine” march and rally, occurring tomorrow afternoon, on Towson’s campus. We’ve shared the following guidance with our students regarding the event. We have been and will continue to be in contact with university administration and police and are greatly appreciative of their support. We are thankful for your support during these trying times. B’shalom, Good evening Towson Jewish community, I first want to say how proud I am to be a part of our strong and resilient community as Israel and the global Jewish community are under attack, some of which we are feeling right here on our campus. There is no place that I would rather be. I want to reassure you that I am in daily contact with the University administration and campus police who have been and remain fantastic supports and allies, which has included police presence and vigilance around Hillel and other Jewish spaces. Every day, we put the safety of our students first. Please continue to report any incidents or challenges you face. We are aware that several student groups are holding an “All Out For Palestine” march and rally tomorrow (Wednesday, November 1st). We share many of the feelings, anxieties and fears it may stir within you. During this time, it is more important than ever for us as a Jewish community to be together and always act in a positive manner. There are a few different ways that we can support one another during these tense and frightening times: Check on one another. Everyone’s reaction to tomorrow’s march will be different, but we all gain strength when we know that someone else is thinking of us. A simple text can make a world of difference. Come together. The Hillel Lounge will be open all day tomorrow (as it is every day) and full of food and activities designed to help you de-stress. Hillel staff will be there to talk and support you, whatever you are feeling. There will also be two therapy dogs who are excited to meet you. Take care of yourself. You know best what you will need for your spiritual and emotional wellbeing. Take the time tomorrow to do that. Find some nature, watch a movie, exercise, read a book. Whatever it is, recognize that self-care is necessary and a sign of well-ordered priorities. Do not engage the marchers. Don’t give these groups oxygen which will just raise their visibility and coverage. Counter-protesting only brings more attention to their cause and rhetoric. If we protest their event, they have every ‘right’ to come and disturb our future ones. So far, campus has been relatively quiet; the incidents that have occurred have been isolated and quickly resolved. Risking disturbing that equilibrium could have repercussions for years to come. We need to stay above the fray, and focus on rallying our own internal community support, and engaging the neutral bystander on campus; arguing with our haters and detractors won’t serve any positive purpose. Academic Support: If you are facing academic challenges due to the current situation, we encourage you to reach out to your professors. They should be willing to make accommodations as has been the case in the past. If you encounter any difficulties or lack of understanding from your professors, please let us know. We are more than happy to speak with them on your behalf to ensure that you receive the necessary support. If you need to reach me, or any member of the Hillel staff, please reach out, via email or text. Jamie, Lexi, McKenna, and I are all here for you. Please stay safe, take care of yourselves, and know that you have a strong and supportive community here at Hillel. In these challenging times in Israel, we want to let you know that Hillel is here to support you. We understand that the current situation may be causing stress and anxiety, and we are committed to providing resources to help you navigate these difficult times. We continue to pray for the safe return of the hostages, the safety of innocents everywhere, and a speedy conclusion to this war. B’Shalom, Rabbi AlexExecutive DirectorTowson University Hillel |