Hillel at VCU reflects on October 7th and the continued impact on campus life
Marking nearly one year since the largest-scale terrorist attack targeting Jewish people since the Holocaust, Hillel at VCU and the Jewish community at VCU approach the anniversary of the October 7 attack with the memory of the lives lost, continued commitment to bringing the hostages back home, and concern for the atmosphere of heightened safety concerns for Jewish students.
Since that fateful day, Jewish students have continually expressed concern for being outspoken in their support for the nation-state of the Jewish people and even in their ability to show off their Jewish pride publicly.
Working in partnership with senior leadership at VCU, VCU Police, and the Secure Community Network, Hillel at VCU has made it a priority to ensure that Jewish students no longer avoid wearing Magen David and chai necklaces or wearing Hillel shirts around campus due to fears of being socially ostracized and targeted for their identity.
Throughout October, Hillel at VCU is working with its partners on and off campus to host programs in remembrance of the October 7 attacks and to continue to celebrate the beauty of Israeli culture and the connection of the Jewish people to Israel.
As we approach October 7, Hillel at VCU invited you to join the Jewish community for a memorial program on October 7 at the Weinstein JCC in the evening. Please reach out to the JCC or the JCFR for final details.
To register, visit
jewishrichmond.regfox.com/reflection-resilience-renewal-october-7-2024
Our students need the Richmond Jewish community’s support to get through these trying times on campus. With your support, our students are more prepared than ever to face the uncertainty that awaits them as Jews and in their relationship with Israel.
Learn more about Hillel at VCU you can support Jewish students by emailing Joel Bond, our Executive Director, at joel@vcuhillel.com.
Get connected with Hillel at VCU programs by emailing Kayla Seabolt at kayla@vcuhillel.com.
