Good afternoon,

This has been an extremely challenging week and semester for many students on the University of Michigan campus. We acknowledge the hurt and pain that so many in our University community have experienced this semester. We have worked tirelessly to support our fellow students in their efforts to defeat an anti-Israel referendum. We also acknowledge that there is a diversity of opinion within the Jewish community and want to reaffirm that we are supportive of students participating in civic engagement on our campus. 

However, what has occurred over the last few weeks has stifled any potential for nuanced conversations and genuine dialogue. Not only was there a violation of election policy, but there have also been multiple slanderous and unfounded posts, tweets, and messaging about our Hillel and our Jewish community on campus.   

What we have seen recently on campus and from outside organizations is filled with heated language that falsifies what is happening in the Middle East AND on campus and puts students - Jewish, Muslim, Arab, Israeli, Palestinian - in potentially harmful situations that do not allow for the respectful, productive exchange of ideas. 

We want to be explicit: the alienation, harassment, and doxxing of various students this week is not acceptable and will never be encouraged by Michigan Hillel. Islamophobia and other forms of bigotry, including antisemitism, should not be tolerated; they have no home at UM. We hope that Hillel and our Jewish student leaders can continue to have a strong relationship with other student organizations and student leaders. 

Additionally, we want to be clear about some accusations around our fundraising efforts. As a non-profit organization, we rely on our donors and supporters to help our community thrive. These fundraising efforts help to ensure security for our building, provide resources for educational programming, and keep our staff available for 1:1 student support. Any accusations of improper use of financial resources are unfounded, and we are concerned that they are based on common antisemitic stereotypes. 

Programming at Hillel continues as planned, with many exciting events coming up that will unite our community during this particularly difficult time. Please follow us on Instagram (@MichiganHillel), or visit our events platform for up to date events.

Tomorrow, (Friday), we are hosting a processing session for Jewish students about the events of the last week. Please join us for (kosher) soup and conversation with your peers from 12-2 pm. We recognize there are a range of feelings among Jewish students and all are welcome.

Staff at Hillel are here to help with any concerns and can provide emotional support if needed. You can also reach out to the Governing Board if you want to speak with a student. 

It is crucial that we do not lose sight of our Jewish values during this time. Please continue to uphold the values of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Chesed - loving kindness, and thoughtfulness about the words we use towards individuals and groups on campus. We believe all people are made in the Divine Image. It can be especially difficult to assume the best in one another when we are in pain and feeling a heightened sense of fear, but we strive to bring our community closer together in these difficult times. 

Thank you,

Michigan Hillel Undergraduate Governing Board