Standing Together Against Anti-Semitism

October 10, 2019

Dear Columbia Community,

Yesterday in Halle, Germany, a heavily armed gunman attempted to enter a synagogue during Yom Kippur services, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. When his effort was thwarted, he killed two people nearby. The attacker’s aim to massacre Jews at worship, recorded on livestream, was intended to create a “worldwide effect,” according to Germany’s chief prosecutor. We stand with the Jewish community in Halle and around the world to denounce this and all other acts of Anti-Semitism, and we mourn the loss of life at the hand of intolerance and hatred.

In recent years, both here in the United States and abroad, we have seen many attacks on people simply going about their lives, in worship and in the day to day. In yesterday’s attack, the gunman’s Anti-Semitic manifesto and comments also targeted “anti-Whites,” feminists, immigrants and others. We write to remind you that you are not alone in your anger and distress at these events no matter where they occur. Our community remains unified in its commitment to a just world, free from violence, intolerance and hatred, and with plentiful opportunities to come together to think through the challenging issues of our times.

We understand too that yesterday's events may be deeply unsettling for some. Please note that Columbia’s resources remain available to you as you reflect on all of this. Please don’t hesitate to contact your dean of students, consult any of these resources or the Office of University Life ([email protected]).  

In community,

Suzanne B. Goldberg 
Executive Vice President for University Life
Herbert and Doris Wechsler Clinical Professor of Law

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The message below was posted yesterday following early news reports. 

October 9, 2019

We are deeply troubled as a community by the Anti-Semitic attacks in Germany today. While the facts are still unfolding, we want our Jewish affiliates, our entire community, to know we are here in support.

Columbia’s resources remain available to you as you reflect on these events. Please don’t hesitate to contact your dean of students, consult any of these resources or the Office of University Life ([email protected]).