Resources and Events for October 7th

Dear students,

We are writing to make sure that the campus community has the resources and information people may need to mark October 7, one year since Hamas’ acts of violence and the ongoing war in Gaza and other parts of the Middle East. Our hearts continue to break as we feel the reverberations of this ongoing violence. We are aware of the multitude of emotions that members of our campus community will have as this date approaches.

As we navigate the coming weeks and try to take care of each other, please be sure to refer to the extensive support resources available to students that are offered by the Dean of College area. A drop-in space at Pratt House will be staffed by Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices (RSLCP), Counseling Services, and Restorative Practices for Engaged Pluralism as described below:

Drop-in Support Space at Pratt House, first floor

3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Pratt will be open as a quiet reflection space, art supplies and writing materials will be available for quiet processing.

A number of student-initiated gatherings will be taking place, described below. All are welcome at all of these events. We greatly appreciate the efforts that student leadership involved have made to give mutual support to one another’s gatherings—so that all communities experiencing the impact of this day have the opportunity to be together in both grief and hope.

Sunday, October 6th

Vassar Jewish Union

5:00 p.m. at the Bayit, 51 Collegeview
A student space for sharing and discussion, one year since October 7.

Monday, October 7th

Vassar Against Antisemitism

Vassar Against Antisemitism, an emerging student group at Vassar, has worked with administrative support from Jewish life programming in RSLCP on the following:

• 9:30 a.m.–8 p.m., Library Lawn: Tabling, memorials, and Nova Installation, remembering those killed at the Nova Festival
• 5 p.m.: Memorial to stand in solidarity, center humanity, mourn the lives lost, and rally to look forward with hope

Vassar Muslim Student Association

6 p.m., Chapel Lawn
VMSA is leading a service of Janazah, the Islamic funeral prayer, followed by Magrib prayer. A vigil for all who have died from acts of violence will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. People are also encouraged to recite any prayers, poetry, or words of wisdom at this service.

Questions? Write Religious, Spiritual Life, and Contemplative Practices at rsl@vassar.edu to be connected with the students involved in planning these gatherings.

We have heard from many students about the importance of supporting one another and the varied ways our different communities experience this date. We encourage everyone to seek the support they need and to be a support to those around them. Please be in touch with any questions or concerns.

Dean Alamo
Dean of the College

Dean Speers
Associate Dean of the College for RSLCP