With tensions high as the war in the Middle East continues to grow, events are planned for next week to mark one year since a Hamas attack on Israel left 1,200 people dead and approximately 250 taken hostages and sparked the Israeli offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip and beyond.
Pro-Palestinian groups have held protests in the past two weeks on and around the Oakland campus (see related story), while the Jewish community is grappling with an incident in South Oakland on Sept. 27, in which antisemitic language was used toward a Jewish student wearing a Star of David by six to eight men who attacked him. The incident happened near Semple and Ward streets.
In response to the attack, Pitt issued a statement: “The University of Pittsburgh unequivocally condemns antisemitism. Any violence or antisemitic acts against our community will not be tolerated. Regardless of who it comes from, or who it is directed at, hate of any kind has no place in our community. We are offering resources and support to the victim, in addition to any other community members who are impacted by this horrific incident, now and in the future. The FBI and City of Pittsburgh Police are leading this investigation.”
While some of the events next week do not specifically mention the conflict in the Middle East, they all give faculty, staff and students a time to reflect.
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The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh will hold an Oct. 7 commemoration from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Jewish Community Center in Squirrel Hill. The event is free, but registration is required. Find more information on the Jewish Federation website.
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The Pitt Divest Apartheid and Students for Justice in Palestine at Pitt are among the sponsors of a community vigil at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Vietnam Veterans Pavilion in Schenley Park to “honor our martyrs after one year of genocide.”
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Pitt Student Affairs will have a Space for Reflection from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 7 through 10 in 548 William Pitt Union. There will be space for a moment of silence, meditation and prayer. Staff will be facilitating mindfulness activities every 15 minutes.
— Susan Jones
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