Statement on the Israel-Gaza War

Dear Dartmouth community,

Like many of you, I watched with growing horror the Hamas attack on Israel this weekend, the escalating violence, and the devastating loss of life, especially among civilians. Adding to my deep sorrow over the overwhelming human tragedy playing out in Israel and Gaza are the ways in which the war affects Dartmouth's global community and many of our colleagues, peers, and friends. Dartmouth alums live in the region, scholars work there, and students, staff, and faculty have deep roots in the areas now in danger. I want to extend my concern to each of you at this time.

We have been working over the weekend and into this week to make sure our community members with ties to the region—both in the U.S. and abroad—are as safe and supported as possible.

In every conflict, one of the most important roles a university can play is to help us understand it, and to make a space for dialogue and community. As Dean Elizabeth F. Smith and Senior Vice President Shontay Delalue indicated in their message below, shared yesterday with the campus community, Dartmouth faculty and staff experts have organized a series of discussions that can help bring us together and shed light on the situation. These discussions will be held today and Thursday at 5 p.m. and livestreamed for those who cannot attend. 

I encourage you to join these forums, which you can view here, and others that we will plan over time. As we navigate these difficult times, please care for one another and take advantage of the support Dartmouth has to offer, as an institution and a community.

Sincerely, 

Sian Leah Beilock

President

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To the Dartmouth community,

We have all been watching the events unfolding over the weekend in Israel and Gaza. The violence and deaths are heartbreaking. At times such as these, an institution like Dartmouth has an opportunity—a responsibility—to convene a thoughtful and informed discussion facilitated by faculty and staff experts to help our community make sense of what is seemingly so senseless.

Below you will find details about two opportunities to hear from faculty on this topic. We are grateful to all the people, centers, and offices across Dartmouth that have come together to sponsor this important event and we know that more like it will follow.

We are working closely to support affected students abroad as well as those here at Dartmouth and urge anyone experiencing anxiety or concern over the events of the last few days to seek help. Students can call the Counseling Center at 603-646-9442. Faculty and staff can call the Faculty/Employee Assistance Program at 844-216-8308.

We recognize this type of conflict and others like it can last for quite some time. These events represent an ongoing commitment to making space to engage in an open exchange of ideas. We are committed to providing our community members with the skills to actively listen in constructive and inclusive dialogue across a variety of subjects.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth F. Smith
Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Shontay Delalue
Senior Vice President and Senior Diversity Officer

A Discussion on the Horrific Events Unfolding in Israel and Gaza

The Jewish Studies and Middle Eastern Studies programs invite you to a discussion, with members of the faculty, on the horrific events unfolding in Israel and Gaza.

Tuesday, Oct. 10, 5 p.m., Haldeman 041

Thursday, Oct. 12, 5 p.m., Haldeman 041

The discussions will be livestreamed at: dartgo.org/israel-gaza2023

Co-sponsored by:

The Office of the President

The Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences

The Dean of the College

The Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity

The John Sloan Dickey Center for International Understanding

The William Jewett Tucker Center

Hillel at Dartmouth

The Leslie Center for the Humanities

The Department of Government