Re: University of the Pacific's response to shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue, Oct. 27, 2018
| Date: | Oct. 29, 2018 |
| To: | University of the Pacific Community |
| From: | President Pamela A. Eibeck and the Diversity Leadership Team |
| Re: | This weekend's terrorist attack |
University of the Pacific stands strongly in support of our Jewish students, faculty and staff, and all people of faith and belief, in condemning Saturday's fatal shooting of 11 congregants of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's Tree of Life synagogue. We reflect on the loss of life as well as the physical harm done to the injured congregants and first responders. This senseless act-and all acts of hatred-are intolerable to our community, and we grieve those lives lost and with the family and friends who are forever impacted.
As members of the Pacific community, we must foster dialogues and learning that deepen our understanding of diversity and that welcome viewpoints other than our own. Our values will continue to be tested, and our resolve will grow stronger as we come together in building a community of peaceful practices.
The Hillel Jewish Student Group, in coordination with Religious and Spiritual Life and Intercultural Student Success, welcome all to attend a prayer vigil and discussion as we remember the lives tragically lost at the Tree of Life synagogue, as well as others living with grief and fear due to senseless acts of violence.
Stand Up Against Anti-Semitism and Other Forms of Hate
Tuesday, Oct. 30, Noon–1 p.m.
DeRosa University Center Reflection Pool
We will continue to uphold an environment of safety for our students and everyone in our community. Public Safety remains vigilant in helping to protect our campuses. We encourage Pacificans to reach out and support each other. If you see something, say something. When in doubt, call Public Safety at 916.739.7200 in Sacramento, 415.929.6411 in San Francisco or 209.946.3911 in Stockton.
As members of a community, it is important that we look out for one another. If you see or sense someone needs help, or if you need to talk to someone, the university has resources available:
- For students, Counseling and Psychological Services can be reached at 209.946.2315, ext. 2 during business hours; for after-hours calls, please choose option 2, then option 4.
- For staff, the Employee Assistance Program offers counseling resources at 877.595.5281.
- Faculty, staff and student employees may contact University Ombudsperson Hector Escalante at 209.932.3017 or 209.715.3065.
- In addition, Religious and Spiritual Life's Chaplain Office can be reached at 209.946.2538.
We call upon the university community to join us in affirming Pacific's Diversity and Inclusion statement and to unite in our commitment to uphold these important values.