DATE: October 10, 2023
TO: The SUNY Old Westbury Campus Community
FROM: Timothy E. Sams, President
RE: On the War in Israel and Gaza
This past weekend, the world was plunged into yet another war, this time in Israel and Gaza. I am certain that many of you, like me, found yourself bewildered and despaired over yet another example where we choose death and destruction to solve diplomatic matters.
While my nonviolent teachings tell me that war is senseless, my feelings are inadequate when considering the hundreds of lives lost. This great sense of loss, that leaves a gaping hole in me, always seems to accompany violence of this nature. This is a loss of our collective humanity, and our hearts go out to everyone who experienced this loss firsthand.
As a community of learners, it also behooves us at times like these to come together and consider how we got here, and where we might still go. To that end, I am pleased to announce that a special program will be held tomorrow, October 11, during the Common Hour. At that time, in the Student Union Multipurpose Room, Dr. Kyle Anderson of the History and Philosophy Department will discuss "Israel, Palestine, and the Elephant in the Room: The British Empire."
As you move through your range of thoughts and emotions, I want to encourage you to, once again, use our university’s mission as a source of guidance. For me, this means reflecting on our community’s abiding sense of reverence for human life and our unwavering pursuit of social justice. As you discuss your reactions to what happened this past weekend, and beyond, please try to keep these values at the center of your position and search for the same in others. SUNY Old Westbury, here we are again facing the reality that we continue to need each other, and the world needs us.
And finally, students should know that the team in our Office of Counseling and Psychological Wellness is available to provide support and resources should you find yourself in need.
I am thankful to be a part of this campus community. Let’s be certain, individually and collectively, that we take care of ourselves and each other.
Tim