Hillel offers student resources after Pittsburg shooting

Hillel at NC State, along with other campus partners, is working this week to provide support for students who are impacted by the mass shooting in a Pittsburgh synagogue as well as other hate crimes in the U.S. 

On Oct. 27, 11 people were killed in a mass shooting at Tree of Life*Or L'Simcha Congregation synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

According to The Washington Post, the suspect made statements regarding his desire to “kill Jews” and has been charged with 44 indictments, including federal hate crimes. The events caused national uproar because of the act of violence. 

North Carolina Hillel, the foundation for Jewish campus life for colleges and universities, released a statement on Tuesday condemning the acts on Saturday and expressing their grief on the violence at the Pittsburgh synagogue.

“On campuses across North Carolina, we have opened our doors and our hearts to support students who need a place to grieve, to process what they have experienced, and to gather with friends and community,” the statement reads.

In the statement, North Carolina Hillel also says they are a place where students can find assistance with whatever they may need. 

“We believe the best way to combat anti-Semitism on campus is to build strong, engaging Jewish communities,” the statement reads. “We work closely with university administrators, student life officials and our religious campus partners to ensure the Jewish community is actively engaged and welcome on campus.” 

Sarah Cohn, the campus director for Hillel at NC State, said that since the events on Saturday, the organization has been getting support from other groups on campus.

“[I] immediately had some of our interfaith clergy reach out to me on that day to express their support and community,” Cohn said. “When I returned to work on Monday, I had emails from Better Together, and from the Global Village and from other partners on campus.”

Cohn described the partnership the Counseling Center has with the organization for students who need may need support or someone to talk to. 

“The impact of it is farther felt than just Jewish students,” Cohn said. “I think as for people of color, for people of the LGBTQ community, this is not the only instance of hate and violence that our communities are feeling. I would encourage anyone who is interested, Jewish or non-Jewish, that feels impacted or struggling with anything that’s happening, that the Counseling Center is a good resource.”

Mike Mullen, the vice chancellor and Dean for the Division of Academic and Student Affairs, released a statement over email that gave resources to students affected by the events and expressed the importance of upholding NC State values during this time.

“Challenging times like this remind us of the importance of not becoming complacent,” the statement reads. “As Chancellor Woodson has stated, it is critical that our campus community always be vigilant in upholding, defending and promoting our shared NC State values – and continually rejecting violence, bigotry, intolerance, and hatred. It is all our responsibility to ensure and embrace a diverse, inclusive campus culture.”

Students who are interested in learning more about Hillel at NC State can visit their website. Students who are looking for support or access to resources can visit the Counseling Center.