We Are One Campaign

On October 7, a Sabbath morning, Simchat Torah - our world changed.  

Israelis woke up to a brutal attack by the Hamas terror organization by land, sea, and air. As ongoing rocket fire rained down throughout the south of the country and as far north as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, unimaginable tragedy was unfolding in the communities on the southern border; communities which were infiltrated by hundreds of armed militants who killed indiscriminately, and took hostages – among them women, children, the elderly. Some were held for hours in their homes, and other captives were dragged to Gaza, from where the most horrifying footage has been proudly shared by Hamas and the Islamic Jihad of their rape, torture, and abuse. 

This horrific massacre and capture of civilians was an unmitigated evil act of terror. 

Some 1200 Israelis are dead, over 2,400 wounded, and 240 hostages have been kidnapped to Gaza. Among the murdered, wounded, and captured are children, Holocaust survivors, families, teachers, senior citizens, community leaders, peace activists, Arabs, Jews, women, men, and young people who found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Each person is a story, and each story is heartbreaking. 

To repel this assault, secure the borders and defend the country, Israel has called up unprecedented numbers of reservists, 360,000 at the time of this writing, to join the active forces.  The fighting continues as southern Israel is secured. We are proud of the many brave Israelis who are defending the country, treating the wounded, and volunteering in massive numbers to help those displaced from their homes, to support the soldiers, and to keep our homeland going in so many ways. 

We Are One

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem community represents a large segment of Israeli society. With over 28,000 members – no one has remained untouched by this tragedy, whether directly or through friends and family members. We Are One. Among us are those whose family members were killed in the massacres or wounded by rocket fire or are missing and presumed among the hostages.  Students have been called up for active service, as have some faculty members, staff, and/or their children.  Others are volunteering to help however they can. 

We don't yet know the extent of the tragedy and what the next phase of this war will bring, but we do know that there will be many who need help.

Returning students, some with serious trauma from fighting, others having lost their homes, still others needing help with their studies due to prolonged military service. Staff who have suffered losses. The Hebrew University leadership will do everything it can to support those community members in need of such support.

We Are One

We are so grateful for the outpouring of support we have had from our friends over the past few days.  It means the world to us, and we thank you.  It helps to know that you are with us - because we are one. 

Learn more about the We Are One Campaign and the University's various activities HERE.