A Message Regarding the Terror Attack in California

Dear all,

I am saddened to write again in the wake of another hate crime, this time a shooting in a California synagogue on the last day of Passover—one of the holiest of times in the Jewish calendar. And now, news reports have linked the perpetrator to the recent arson of a mosque in a nearby community.

According to news reports, the motivation for the shooting and fire was white nationalist ideology—the same hatred that drove the shooter at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh as well as the recent attacks on mosques in Christchurch and black churches in Louisiana. In the face of such hate, let our response be one of solidarity and support.

If you need to speak with someone, the Counseling Service is open Monday through Friday 9:00 am–4:30 pm. You can schedule an appointment by calling 845-437-5700. Or, reach out to the Rachlin Director of Jewish Student Life, Liz Aeschlimann at eaeschlimann@vassar.edu, or Nora Zaki, Advisor for Muslim Student Life at nzaki@vassar.edu. I encourage us to continue to foster our community as a place where we find strength and comfort in being together.

May this week be full of peace,

Elizabeth H. Bradley, President
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
@EHBVassar