Tragic Events in the Middle East

October 9, 2023

Dear CSSW Community,

By now you have heard about the violence in Israel, which started with a surprise attack by Hamas. Israel has officially declared war and as of this morning, reports indicate that more than 700 Israelis have died, 100 Israelis are being held hostage, and more than 500 Palestinians have died. With no end in sight, we can expect more death and tragedy in the short term. In the long term, we will find communities of survivors desperate to make sense of it all as they pick up the remaining pieces to live within their new reality. This is tragic and gut wrenching.

In moments like this, words can be inadequate for capturing all of the pain and suffering. When words don’t suffice, being in community becomes even more critical. The CSSW Office of the Dean of Students has been reaching out to students from that region. If you are a student and need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Office of Advising at swadvising@columbia.edu.

We must come together to support those in our community who have been impacted and help prepare for what is to come. Please be sure to hold space for each other, and yourselves, to feel all that may come up during this time; in addition, the University has resources at your disposal to support you (details below).

In community,

Melissa

University Resources for Students:

University Counseling and Psychological Services

Morningside / Manhattanville Campuses: (212) 854-2878
CUIMC Campus: (212) 305-3400

Students currently abroad may call International SOS and ask to speak to an Enhanced Emotional Support Counselor at (215) 942-8478.

University Health Services

Morningside / Manhattanville Campuses: Columbia Health https://health.columbia.edu
CUIMC Campus: Student Health on Haven cumc.columbia.edu/student-health

Office of the University Chaplain: https://ouc.columbia.edu

Office of Religious Life: http://religiouslife.columbia.edu

International Students and Scholars Office: https://isso.columbia.edu/

University Life: https://universitylife.columbia.edu/

University Resources for Faculty and Staff:

Columbia Employee Assistance Program: https://humanresources.columbia.edu/employee-assistance

Office of the University Chaplain: https://ouc.columbia.edu

Office of Religious Life: http://religiouslife.columbia.edu

International Students and Scholars Office: https://isso.columbia.edu/