Families, we shared this update with our students, faculty and staff earlier today. We share it with you now for your reference.

Dear AU Community,

I want to express American University’s ongoing support for our community following Hamas’s brutal assault on Israel and its people. The atrocities committed by Hamas on such a shocking scale, including horrific massacres and abhorrent hostage taking, are repugnant. We condemn these terrorist attacks and their affronts to humanity. Many from our Jewish community and beyond have shared their hurt and sorrow, including anguishing personal impacts of this extraordinary attack. It is devastating, and I offer my support.

This attack will result in a spiral of violence that will, sadly, cost more lives of Israelis and Palestinians.

From the outset, our primary and ongoing focus has been to support our community, including those whose families and extended communities are affected by violence and those who have concerns for their own safety. I want to reiterate a key point: violence, particularly acts of terror, should not be glorified. Listening to community members, engaging in campus events, having respectful dialogue both in person and online, and providing space for people to share and grieve are all part of this important effort. As we mentioned previously, campus services—including the Center for Well-Being and Psychological Services, the student AU Protocol 24-hour support line (202-885-7979), the BHS service for faculty and staff, and the Kay Spiritual Life Center—continue to be available. For anyone with safety concerns, please contact AUPD at 202-885-2527. We have extensive security procedures, including full and visible AUPD presence, in place for events this week and throughout the upcoming Family Weekend. Additionally, we are working with the small number of students studying abroad in Israel to support their safety.

While this note focuses on the attack, sadly, difficult times and suffering are likely to grow and to continue for the foreseeable future. The difference we can make is to continue comforting our community, listening to each other, and striving to make peace and compassion our guiding purpose in a time when the world desperately needs it.

Sincerely, 

Sylvia M. Burwell
President, American University