'Called to respond': St. Francis University offers expedited transfer for Jewish students facing antisemitism

Nov. 25—LORETTO, Pa. — Jewish students who are experiencing antisemitic discrimination or violence, or who fear it, can find a safe haven at St. Francis University in Loretto, school leaders say.

The Catholic university has introduced an expedited transfer process that streamlines the typical procedure of transferring to St. Francis from another school.

"We got word that there were Jewish students on other campuses that were ... receiving antisemitism," said the Most Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, St. Francis president. "We thought, 'Let's reach out and let them know this is a welcoming place.' "

He added that for Catholics, the Jewish people are considered their elder siblings in the faith, which is why the initiative was created.

Van Tassell also noted that Muslim students facing similar persecution are welcome at St. Francis, which welcomes people of all faiths.

The focus on Jewish students is because of the terrorist attack in Israel carried out by Hamas militants on Oct. 7, Van Tassell said. That assault resulted in the estimated deaths of roughly 1,200 people, and more than 200 hostages were taken, according to the Israeli government.

Since that attack, Israel's military has launched an all-out war on the neighboring Palestinian territory of the Gaza Strip — where Hamas operates and controls the government — that has caused more than 13,000 Palestinian deaths and the displacement of millions, the Gaza Health Ministry estimates.

On college and university campuses across the U.S., Jewish students have been targeted with attacks on their faith — as have Muslim students — as tempers flare over the war. Some post-secondary students have called for a cease-fire and condemned Israel's actions as far too extreme, considering the numerous civilian casualties, while others have shown support for Israel's retaliation.

Years of conflict

Tensions in the region date back centuries, but a flashpoint that resulted in several clashes was Israel's inception after the end of World War II.

Peace talks, cease-fires and other attempts at armistice in the years since have repeatedly failed, with Israel continually gaining ground and Palestine shrinking to two small territories today — the West Bank and Gaza.

Throughout the decades, the two sides have often fought, and at one point the Israel Defense Forces occupied Gaza, leaving in 2005, according to the Israeli Embassy.

Two years later, in 2007, Hamas took control of the government in Gaza from the Palestinian Authority, launching violent strikes on Israel and bringing harsh retaliation from the IDF.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rise to power in the 1990s also fanned the flames of strife between the sides, with increasingly far-right rhetoric and his cabinet's strategy to evict Palestinians from their homeland. His fierce approach to the fighting has inflamed many as well.

'Complex ... story'

Rabbi Irvin Brandwein, of Beth Sholom Congregation in Westmont Borough, said that the conflict between Israel and Palestine is "a long, painful, complex ... story, and this is the latest chapter, and the most painful."

The war is "sapping our spirit, and it's painful," Brandwein said, "and every day is another occasion to grieve and mourn the loss of innocent life."

However, learning of St. Francis University's generosity toward Jewish students has provided a bright spot in this dark time, he said. He described the expedited transfer program as an uplifting effort and expects the Loretto campus to be a safe haven for students to develop intellectually without having to encounter hate.

"I'm very gratified and thrilled to learn about this great act of kindness and compassion for the victims of hatred," Brandwein said.

Local Islamic leaders could not be reached for comment.

'Called to respond'

Van Tassell said the war has not been a divisive topic at St. Francis, and he noted that from an academic view, the conflict has provided an opportunity for students to explore the complicated history of Palestine and Israel.

In announcing the new initiative, the university cited its namesake, St. Francis himself, who "urged each of us to recognize the divine presence that is God in each human being" and "taught the way of peace, solidarity and responsibility with our brothers and sisters."

"Therefore, when one group attacks another out of prejudice and hatred, we are called to respond with assistance and to be instruments of peace," the university's statement said. "It is with this intent that St. Francis University invites our Jewish brothers and sisters to join our community where you will be welcomed with open arms and a spirit of fraternal charity and respect."

Brandwein said he has not heard of any conflicts or antisemitism locally regarding the Israeli-Hamas war. But as is usual in a Jewish community, he noted, members of the congregation turn to their rabbis for guidance when such news arises. He said he always tells people that he's no expert and simply offers counsel.

Another reassurance for Brandwein since the war's start is the correspondence that he's received from Christian neighbors providing support in the wake of the brutality.

"We just have to pray that a new day will come and a new generation will rise up who will have different priorities and different ideals to motivate, and we can focus on growing together and feeding one another," Brandwein said.

In addition to the new transfer program, St. Francis has joined more than 100 other post-secondary institutions in "standing with Israel against the acts of terror perpetrated by Hamas in Gaza."

Van Tassell said the university's sister school, Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, contacted St. Francis about the commitment.

"As an institution deeply driven by (a) Catholic, Franciscan mission and values, we stand in solidarity with Israel and the people suffering under Hamas' cruel rule," he said in a statement. "It is essential for universities to unite against terrorism, promoting peace, understand and the protection of our campus communities."

The coalition is led by Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University, and includes a diverse group of institutions — public, private and historically Black colleges and universities.

Students interested in the St. Francis transfer process can either contact Megan Mason at the University Admissions Office at 814-328-8773 or email her at transfer@francis.edu.