Last weekend, I watched in horror as Hamas heinously attacked and killed hundreds of innocent people in Israel. My next thoughts were on our regrettable history that has cultivated such inhumane rage among these terrorists. Then I began to fear what spiral of successive acts of revenge would follow. Like nearly all conflicts and wars, this will have no winner, but the losses will be beyond measure. They already are.
The following Monday, Rabbi Nina Mandel, our Director of Jewish Life, held a gathering to express solidarity. A small group of us sat together in mutual support. We looked at maps of Israel and the Occupied Territories. Some of those gathered pointed out where their family members were living, or where they had once lived themselves. We tried to unpack what we knew, what we thought would happen next, and mostly we were sad together.
The next morning, I sent a message to the campus community. This is one of the more challenging balancing acts of the presidency. At difficult times, many members of every campus community want a statement of a position, a value, or compassion.
I have written here before on the lodestones I use in crafting a statement, when they apply: the University’s Mission Statement and our Statement on Diverse and Ethical Living. I also want the members of our campus community, especially our students, to know that I love them and care for them
Throughout the remainder of the week, there have been criticisms of numerous presidents for not issuing a statement, and for those of us who did, there have been criticisms of what we said, or didn’t say. It is difficult because what words of compassion can provide consolation, and what words of outrage won’t amplify tensions?
My message was simple: “We are all watching the eruption of violence in Israel with horror and sorrow. Our hearts go out to members of the Susquehanna community who have friends and family in harm’s way, and we hope for a quick and peaceful resolution.” This was followed by a list of campus support resources.
I received messages from community members thanking me and others expressing disappointment or indignation for not being stronger and for not calling out the malefactors. Each of them has a reasoned perspective.
I am outraged at what Hamas has done, but those campus messages go out over my name, and I will be just as outraged when innocents in Gaza are killed as part of the retaliation. What message should come next, and how would my rhetoric not become the same vicious cycle as the acts of retribution they are meant to condemn.
Victims are just that, victims. We are the mourners and the caretakers of those who mourn. We can also honor the dead by being advocates for peace and a more just future for all.
During our gathering on Monday, a copy of Psalm 122 was handed out, verses 6-8 are:
6 O pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee.
7 Peace be within thy walls, and plenteousness within thy palaces.
8 For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will wish thee prosperity.
9 Yea, because of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek to do thee good.[1]
Let us hope for peace within all our walls, and let us pray for the courage and wisdom to broker a lasting end to this and all wars.
[1] Psalm 122. Laetatus sum. The Book of Common Prayer. New York: The Church Pension Fund, 1928.