Dear Pomona College Community,
I write you today with a heavy heart, deeply saddened by the hateful and tragic events that occurred today at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Violence broke the peace that is meant to accompany a day of worship. None of us can understand what drives this level of hate in our world nor why anyone would want to harm or kill human beings because of their faith. I am disgusted and incredibly sad.
I encourage you to check in with your friends and those who may need a hand or heart to lift them today—especially those Jewish members of our Pomona family, and indeed far beyond our gates—who are feeling this loss and pain. We all need to know that compassion and caring are stronger than hate. Remember that we still stand together for a world of justice.
Rabbi Danny Shapiro, the Claremont Colleges Jewish Chaplain, is working with students on responding to this violence, including a service tonight at 7 p.m. at the McAlister Center for community reflection and support. I will see many of you there.
During these difficult times, we encourage students in need of counseling assistance to contact Monsour Counseling & Psychological Services (MCAPS) at (909) 621-8202. MCAPS is located at the Tranquada Student Services Building, 757 College Way. For after-hours emergencies, call (909) 621-8202 and dial “1” when prompted to be connected with an on-call therapist. Counseling and referral services are available at no cost to staff and faculty through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) from OptumHealth by calling (800) 234-5465.
Even in this time of mourning, I hold hope for a future that is more willing to seek peace, and increasingly refuses to bend to the hands of violence, because of you and the work we do here together.
With you and with care,
Gabi