Dear Tel Aviv University Community,

These are difficult times for all of us, Jews and Arabs alike. The riots in Israel – in Jerusalem, Lod, Acco, and numerous other locations – are terrifying, alongside the incidents of warfare, and indicative of an unprecedented crisis in relations between Jews and Arabs in the State of Israel, while the outcome remains to be seen.

Tel Aviv University has always been proud of being pluralist and liberal. There is no more important foundation to the liberal character of the University than the tolerance to which we are all committed, towards every individual, regardless of religion, nationality, ethnic affiliation, or opinion. This pluralism is not merely passive, but active: The University will act in every way possible in order that all members of the campus community will feel safe, and will enjoy the freedom to express their opinions without fear or concern.

A society, not infrequently, is tested in times of crisis. Let us, the University community, offer an example to Israeli society of fitting ways to discuss, and to dissent, one from the opinion of another, in an atmosphere of tolerance and camaraderie, pleasantly and in the ways of peace.

Please, take care of yourselves, your friends and your associates.

Sincerely yours,

Prof. Ariel Porat

President, Tel Aviv University