Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community

Support for Our Community

Monday, October 16, 2023, By News Staff
Share
Chancellor Kent SyverudIsrael-Hamas War

Dear Syracuse University Community:

It has been 10 days since Hamas crossed into Israel and conducted a series of horrific terror attacks targeting innocent civilians. As last week unfolded, we learned more about the barbaric nature of these atrocities. We are also witnessing a developing humanitarian crisis in Gaza where innocent civilians are facing death and displacement, and dire conditions are growing worse.

Half a world away here in Central New York, I recognize the uncertainty and suffering felt by members of our Syracuse University community. I have heard from many of you—students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents—who come from varied cultures and faith traditions. Some in our community have deep roots in the impacted region. The pain and sadness are profound. A week ago, I asked our community to extend kindness, respect, and compassion to one another in this moment. I am grateful for how the people who make up this university have responded. Peaceful vigils remembering those lost; academic exploration into the history and depth of this long and complex conflict; a commitment to understanding through constructive discourse; and offering grace to others with whom we may disagree—that is what a great university looks like in times of crisis and suffering. I am proud of how this community has responded.

Sadly, divisions are deepening in the world around us. There has been a sharp increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic threats and violence nationwide and around the globe, creating a heightened sense of vulnerability and uncertainty. Please know that we take the security of our campus seriously. We are taking additional action to keep our community safe. For that reason, among other things, you may note an elevated presence of Department of Public Safety personnel on and around our campus and facilities.

We know what we believe in at Syracuse. We reject antisemitism. We reject Islamophobia. We condemn terrorism. We believe the pursuit of knowledge and respect and true understanding of others is the best antidote to the hatred that can divide and destroy us.

Personal attacks and divisive rhetoric are roadblocks to this understanding. I ask that we remain committed to supporting those who are suffering, extending kindness to those who need it, and engaging one another with respect. If you need additional support, please reach out. There are several Syracuse University resources ready to provide help and assistance.

University leaders will continue to communicate with our community as appropriate. Until then, I pray for those lost and missing, for those who are suffering, and for a swift and peaceful resolution to this conflict.

Sincerely,

Chancellor Kent Syverud

  • Author

News Staff

  • Recent
  • Syracuse University Libraries’ Information Literacy Scholars Produce Information Literacy Collab Journal
    Thursday, May 29, 2025, By Cristina Hatem
  • Trip to Atlanta Gives Falk Students ‘Real-World’ Opportunities and Connections
    Thursday, May 29, 2025, By Matt Michael
  • Syracuse Pride on Display: Limited-Edition Poster Supports Future Generations
    Thursday, May 29, 2025, By News Staff
  • Maxwell Advisory Board Welcomes New Leadership
    Thursday, May 29, 2025, By Jessica Youngman
  • Syracuse Stage Hosts Inaugural Julie Lutz New Play Festival
    Wednesday, May 28, 2025, By News Staff

More In Campus & Community

Syracuse University Libraries’ Information Literacy Scholars Produce Information Literacy Collab Journal

Earlier this month, Syracuse University Libraries’ Information Literacy Scholars published their first open access information literacy journal, Information Literacy Collab (ILC). It is available on SURFACE, the University’s open access institutional repository. ILC is a diamond open-access publication by and…

Trip to Atlanta Gives Falk Students ‘Real-World’ Opportunities and Connections

The city of Atlanta is home to professional sports franchises in major leagues: Atlanta United FC (Major League Soccer), the Braves (Major League Baseball), Dream (WNBA), Falcons (NFL), and Hawks (NBA). Atlanta also features professional teams in lacrosse, rugby, and…

Syracuse Pride on Display: Limited-Edition Poster Supports Future Generations

The third annual fiscal-year end poster campaign is a wonderful way to celebrate Syracuse pride, expand your art collection and make a meaningful impact on the Orange community. As a token of appreciation for their generosity, the first 500 donors…

Maxwell Advisory Board Welcomes New Leadership

A Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs alumna who has supported student and faculty excellence through volunteer service and philanthropy has taken the helm of the Maxwell Advisory Board. Cathy Daicoff  G’79 began her term as chair at the…

Michael J. Bunker Appointed Associate Vice President and Chief of Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services

Syracuse University today announced the appointment of Michael J. Bunker as the new associate vice president and chief of Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services following a national search. Bunker will begin his new role on July 1, 2025. He…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • X
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2025 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.