|
Dear Wolverine Community,
With the start of classes this week, we are thrilled to meet new faces and reconnect with others. Nearly 1,000 students have attended our welcome week programming. Hillel community building continues tonight with a Backyard Bonfire, Schmooze on the Diag on Thursday, and Shabbat on Friday.
I am writing to update you about some developments on campus this week that you may have heard about. Today was Festifall, the student club fair. Anti-Israel protesters hosted a “die-in” during this event. Protesters were asked repeatedly to leave, and when they did not, the police took action. We understand that the situation got heated and arrests were made. This may be distressing to some students, and our doors, and arms, are always open to them.
In a welcome email to incoming students, the Vice President for Student Life made it abundantly clear that protests “must not disrupt the operations of the University.” Whether it’s the incident today or in the weeks to come, we will do our best to make sure that no Jewish student feels as though they must hide their full identity to experience our campus environment, nor should their basic safety ever be jeopardized.
Also this week, you may know, as it has made national news, that the Central Student Government (CSG) has halted student organization funding until the University divests from Israel. Many have asked, and I want to be clear: Michigan Hillel's programming will continue as planned, even with CSG's decision to withhold funding. Hillel does not rely on CSG for our core programming, we are supported by an incredibly generous community of parents, alumni and friends. Sadly, the student government BDS agenda underscores what we have known for many years: BDS campaigns introduce hate, antisemitism and division to campus.
As always, our Hillel team is available to speak to any student who needs care or support. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at daveyr@umich.edu. Together, we can keep our students safe, supported, and proud to be Jewish Wolverines!
Go Blue,
Rabbi Davey
Chief Executive Officer
| 
