To the university community, greetings

It's been almost two weeks since the Simchat Torah Shabbat when our world changed beyond recognition. It feels like eons have passed since that terrible day. As the days go by, we hear more and more horror stories about what happened in the Western Negev settlements. Unfortunately, the list of names men and women from the university community who were murdered continues to grow longer and we share the pain and embrace the families who lost that which is most precious of all. The list of those abducted and injured also continues to grow, and we pray for the safe return of our beloved and for the full recovery of the injured. Added to this are the significant number of those who have been evacuated or left their homes and are scattered in different places across the country. In every sense, they are refugees who were ripped from their homes with few belongings, and we are doing our best to provide assistance and support where needed.We attend funerals and go to offer condolences. The stories are heartbreaking, but we meet families determined to continue living and who want their terrible sacrifice not to be in vain. In some cases, we come to offer comfort and an embrace, and we leave strengthened and comforted ourselves.

Alongside the tragic stories, we also hear a great many stories of heroism. We are witness to the actions of civil society, which is doing amazing things and anyone who walks around the university can see the work of the Lev Ehad Association, mostly by volunteers, including from the student population.All this demonstrates that Israeli society, including the university community is stronger and more united than ever.

There is no end in sight to the campaign, but we are doing our utmost to allow as much activity at the university as possible, with the understanding that people need responses to various issues precisely now, in these times of emergency. We understand that it is precisely engaging in our routine work and affairs helps us deal with the situation, and that everyone is looking for a way to contribute. We find ways to do that and connect with the efforts through the university.

We are trying, through each of the departments, to talk to all our students and encourage both them and their families. These conversations also make it possible to address specific questions and problems and decrease our students' anxiety regarding the academic school year. Furthermore, many are reaching out to their colleagues at universities abroad to let them know what has happened and to ask them to act as ambassadors to convey the messages and strengthen the position of the State of Israel around the world.

The weekly Torah reading (parasha) this Shabbatteaches us that the land should not be punished because the human heart is evil from youth(Genesis 8: 21-22). We have seen the epitome of evil, but we are certain that the earth will continue to produce its fruits and we will continue to grow, build, create, teach, and explore.

We send our strength to all the men and women serving in the reserves and pray for their speedy return home and to the university.

Professor Daniel Chamovitz, President

Professor Chaim Hames, Rector

Tal Ben-Haim, Director General