President Vincent Price issued a statement Tuesday urging the Duke community to condemn the recent attacks in Israel and support students, faculty and staff affected by the violence.
“I encourage our Duke community to sustain an inclusive, understanding and supportive way forward, one that is respectful of different perspectives, condemning of brutality and hatred in all their forms and consistent with our mission and values,” Price wrote in the statement published in Duke Today.
Hamas militant forces launched a deadly surprise attack on Israel Saturday morning, prompting swift retaliation from the Israeli Defense Force and a formal declaration of war Sunday.
As of Tuesday night, over 1,000 people have died in Israel, according to the IDF’s Army Radio, and over 900 have died in Gaza in retaliatory strikes, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The death toll also includes 14 United States citizens.
"I am shocked and saddened at the terror attacks by Hamas in Israel and the continuing conflict that has taken so many innocent lives," Price wrote. "I feel deeply for all in our community and beyond who are in pain.”
Price added that the University is providing “immediate assistance” to students, faculty and staff in the Israel-Palestine region. As of Monday evening, the University has accounted for two dozen students, faculty, staff and affiliates in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Price commended the vigil held Monday on Bryan Center Plaza, in which members of the Duke community mourned the victims of the attacks.
“I am grateful so many took part in this shared space for grieving, affirmation and fellowship at a time of such profound distress in our Jewish community,” Price wrote.
Price also called on Duke community members to reject “hatred of all kinds,” pointing to the “alarming” rise of anti-semitism in recent years.
“Violence is never the answer, nor will it ever be a path to peace,” he wrote.
Price’s statement included mental health resources available on campus for students, faculty and staff affected by the violence, as well as resources such as Duke’s identity and cultural centers for international students and students with extended families living outside the U.S.
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Mia Penner is a Trinity sophomore and an editor-at-large of The Chronicle's 119th volume.