My dear Governors, Friends, Alumni, and other members of the Tel Aviv University community in Israel and around the world,
As I write these lines, the media is reporting that over 700 individuals have tragically lost their lives in the horrendous terror attack on the State of Israel. Unfortunately, it seems this number may rise. Reports suggest over 100 people have been taken captive, and even here, the number is not final.
It is hard to describe the magnitude of the pain each and every one of us is experiencing these days. The images of grandparents kidnapped with their grandchildren, of a father left without his wife and children, of young children witnessing the murder of their parents – these pictures remind us of other bloody events in our people’s history. The determination to respond is stronger than ever, mixed with shock, tears and agonizing sorrow. Today, we are all united in our resolve that such an event should never happen again.
We suspect there are victims from our university community, although it is still difficult to assess their number. The Dean for Student Success is working with the faculties and schools to establish contact with students and faculty members living in Israel’s South, or serving in the IDF and other security forces. TAU, along with the other universities in Israel, is postponing the start of the academic year by at least a week. We are significantly expanding the scope of psychological services we provide to the university community. TAU is also exploring ways to assist families from the south of the country, both with psychological counseling and with finding alternative housing until the war concludes.
In recent days, many of our supporters and others have reached out to me to express their terrible grief and participation in our sorrow. We feel deeply that all of you are with us. We are one family. I hope that the war in which we find ourselves will end quickly and that calm will return. We do not cease to think about the Israeli hostages being held by the enemy. This situation is very distressing. We pray for their well-being.
The State of Israel is the home of the Jewish people, not only for those who live in it. Your support during this difficult time is more important to us than ever.
Yours sincerely,
Ariel Porat
