DISCLAIMER: The following article was submitted to The Argo on behalf of the Hillel Jewish Student Union and Chabad Stockton. The views expressed in it do not necessarily reflect those of The Argo or its staff. As part of our commitment to provide a platform for authentic student voices, we have ensured that the content of this piece remains as close to the originally submitted article as possible, with minor edits for spelling and grammar. The Argo condemns all forms of violence and terrorism.

In light of the recent horrific terrorist attack that took place in Israel, it is imperative to come together as a Jewish community and show support for all those innocent men, women, children, and soldiers who have lost their lives. On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, Hillel Jewish Student Union and Chabad Stockton came together and invited Stockton students and faculty for a prayer vigil to honor those who lost their lives and to pray for the safety of Israel. Students from both organizations read prayers, sang songs, and offered words of support to the Stockton community. After a meaningful vigil, the Israeli flag was raised, where it will be flown permanently outside the Arts and Sciences building. We were honored to have had the support of the Stockton administration, including the Assistant Dean of Students, Dr. Haley Baum, join us during this difficult time. 

Our vigil was not political, as there is nothing political about our support for Israel. A political opinion implies subjectivity and other alternatives. Our support of Israel is moral. We support the men, women, and children of Israel because it is moral to support their right to live and to protect themselves, their parents, and their children. Rabbi Meir Rapoport of Chabad Stockton offered heartfelt words about coming together as a Jewish community. He mentioned how important it is to do what we can for the people hurt in these acts of terrorism. This includes praying for our brothers, sisters, family, and friends in Israel, doing mitzvahs (good deeds), tzedakah (charity), or coming together on Shabbat. He emphasized that we are a Jewish community, who support one another. To quote Rabbi Meir “We fight evil, we fight darkness through adding more light into the world”. You can achieve this through acts of loving kindness and putting that into your community. We also had Rabbi Michael Feshbach of Congregation Beth Israel in Northfield, NJ share a few words and lead everyone in the Mi Shebeirach prayer for healing. 

The outpouring support of friends, students, and faculty just shows how much of an impact these tragic events have on the Stockton Jewish community. On October 12, 2023, Chabad Stockton had a tabling event in the Campus Center food court for “Doing a Good Deed for Israel”. This event was made for Stockton students/faculty to come support Israel through writing letters, performing a mitzvah, and or donating money which will be sent directly to Israel for support. It is imperative to come together in solidarity, show we are proud of who we are, and that we are not afraid of letting hate affect us. 

The rate of anti-Semitism in this world has grown astronomically and is only increasing especially during this time. To quote a verse from a prayer entitled “Roll into Dark” from Rabbi Noam Katz, “Borei yom valaila, Goleil or mip-nei choshech, Goleil or mipnei choshech ,V’choshech mip-nei or” which translates to “creator of day and night, rolling light into darkness, and darkness into light.” We, as a Jewish community at Stockton University, are strong and here for one another, come together and help those in need of healing. For all those who have lost their lives through these acts of terror: Zichrono livracha, may his/her memory be for a blessing now and always, and let us say Amen. 

Thank You, 

Jared Handelman, Samantha Bell, and Isabella Mooney 

Presidents of Hillel and Chabad Stockton