Dear students and colleagues,
As we look to the year ahead, we also need to reflect on the one just past. While the 2023-24 academic year had high and happy points, its memory is also marked by the devastating escalation of violence and suffering in Israel and Palestine. The effects have reached far beyond the geographical region, profoundly affecting those with family ties, loved ones, and deep convictions about the past, present, and future of Israel and Palestine.
As we look ahead to the coming anniversary of Oct. 7, we are taking steps to honour community members’ grief, demonstrate compassion for one another, and find ways we can coexist, whether standing on common ground with shared values or standing side-by-side with distinct convictions but equal respect. We plan to dedicate specific days during the week of Oct. 7 to 11 to:
- Create space, support and compassion for all those grieving the losses experienced by Israelis and the wider Israeli and/or Jewish diaspora. This will include both faith-based and secular gatherings, access to counseling services and resources for learning.
- Create space, support and compassion for all those grieving the losses experienced by Palestinians and the wider Palestinian diaspora. This day will offer the same attention and resources, including secular and faith-based gatherings, access to counseling services and resources for learning.
- Facilitate gatherings, activities, and learning opportunities for all those seeking some common ground amid our differences. Please expect workshops, facilitated dialogues, interfaith gatherings and opportunities to examine the principles that allow us to learn and work together as a diverse community.
In addition to the University-sponsored events above, we expect community members and groups will initiate other events, including vigils, demonstrations and advocacy projects. These events and activities will need to adhere to the Temporary Use of University Space (TUUS) policies and procedures as well as the principles outlined in the President’s Initiative on Open & Respectful Dialogue.
Our hope is that this plan for the week of October 7, guided by lessons from last academic year, will support York community members in expressing their views, finding some solace, demonstrating respect and compassion, and experiencing York as a place that welcomes and supports all community members. You can find more information on the Better Together website and expect details of scheduled events next week in YFile. In the meantime, we welcome your feedback:
- Faculty & Staff, please email: epcinfo@yorku.ca
- Undergraduate Students, please email: vpstudents@yorku.ca
- Graduate Students, please email: fgsinfo@yorku.ca
Looking forward,
Laina Y. Bay-Cheng
Professor & Vice-President, Division of Equity, People & Culture
Yvette Munro
Vice-Provost, Students
Alice MacLachlan
Vice-Provost & Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies