Purdue University students gather to mourn those lost in attack on Israel

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — As the sun began to set over Purdue University’s campus Wednesday, about 100 people gathered in front of the university’s Engineering Mall to support one another and pray for the victims of Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel this past weekend.

Many in attendance were students looking for a place to mourn those who died in the attack, as well as find a place of comfort with their fellow community members.

On Saturday, Hamas attackers opened fire at the Tribe of Nova music festival in Israel, leaving at least 260 dead and undetermined number taken hostage, the Associated Press reported. The Biden Administration said Wednesday that the death toll of American citizens rose to 22 with 17 still unaccounted for.

"I think we all need to steel ourselves for the very distinct possibility that these numbers will keep increasing," said John Kirby, a White House spokesman on national security. "We might find out that more Americans are part of the hostage pool."

Two days of remembrance, support

To ensure that students were able to express their right to free speech in a safe manner regarding the attacks on Israel, Purdue University did not interfere with the organization of Wednesday’s vigil honoring those killed and abducted, and Thursday’s “Stand with Palestine” march, scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Engineering Fountain.

Wednesday's vigil was organized by Purdue Hillel, while Thursday's march will be hosted by Purdue Young Democratic Socialists of America and Students for Justice in Palestine at Purdue.

Although to ensure students’ safety, the university did note that it would have law enforcement present at both events.

As students began to gather, Rabbi Avremel Gluck of Chabad at Purdue University started the evening by preaching to his fellow Jewish people to not allow themselves to fall in despair and instead to focus on the resolve of the Jewish spirit.

“Hamas are terrorists. They want to cause all of us to be terrified. They filmed their attacks because they did not just want to murder those people, they wanted to kill the collective Jewish hope, positivity and joy in each and every one of us,” Rabbi Gluck said.

“The more negativity we read and watch, the more downtrodden we feel. The more tragic their attack becomes.

“The first step to turning around is turning around ourselves. Back to our strong Jewish spirit of resolve and joy. We need to stop watching the horrific clips, do not watch any of it anymore. We need to honor the people killed by celebrating the joy in their lives.”

Gluck also spoke of the importance of embracing their Jewish heritage and not hide it out of fear.

“It may seem counterintuitive, but if the recent tragedy in our homeland has you second-guessing the wisdom of wearing your Star of David around your neck, or if you were considering participating less in Jewish life,” Gluck said. “Please remember this. Never once in our history, and I repeat, not a single time, has hiding our Judaism worked in our favor and brought us safety. The opposite is true.”

Laura Harris, the student president of Purdue Hillel, echoed that sentiment as she shared with her fellow students how afraid she was of showcasing her Jewish culture after learning about the attack on Israel on Saturday.

“I was immediately terrified and heartbroken. I didn’t leave my room until 12:30 that day as I sat there attempting to process what was happening in Israel,” Harris said.

“When I went out later that day, I was hesitant to wear my Star of David in public, and I won’t lie, I did tuck it in for a few minutes because I was scared.

“But then I realized something, I realized that this is not a time to hide. This is a time when we need to be proud to be Jewish. I know it's scary right now but what I think what’s most important is for us to show our pride, stay and spread our light.”

Many of the student's faces reflected the sentiment of Harris. Many clutched onto the small Israel flags that they brought along with them to the vigil.

Ellie Gerstner, a student at Purdue University and a former Platoon Leader in the Israel Defense Forces, walked up to the microphone with tears in her eyes and shared her experiences with everyone in attendance.

Gerstner served in the Israel Defense Force before she was a student at Purdue, and she shared how Saturday’s event horrified her.

“For a young mind, when we don’t see the violence with our own eyes for a few years when we don’t know someone who was affected personally, we convince ourselves it must not be that bad. That we don’t need to train for it for scenarios that are never going to happen. And then they do and in one moment we are reminded how high the price of hate is.

“How a people that has been persecuted since the dawn of modern civilization is never allowed to let its guard down and assume that it isn’t that bad.”

Gerstner shared how it was through her time in the Defense Force that taught her what “the lack of kindness can do to the world," and how those experiences haven’t stopped her from smiling and enjoying her time in this world.

“If I have one message to everyone right now, it is to allow us and help us spread the messages that will end this violence. Be advocates for peace and not hate. And support us at doing what we need to do at keeping Israelis and Jews alike safe and sound in their homes.”

Before the end of the event, Patrick Wolfe, the provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs and Diversity at Purdue University, stepped up to the microphone and shared a few comments with the students in attendance.

“All of us were stuck over the weekend by this incredible horrendous tragedy and set of atrocities to the full extent have only been told over the past few days.

“I want all of you to know that we’re here for you. I’m the leader of our academic and scholarly community on campus. I’m here for you, we’re here for you.”

Wolfe told students that if they needed any mental health support, the university would provide it with no question, as well as understanding that Jewish students will need that extra support as they worry about their family in Israel or if they need to fly back home.

“I read the news, I see what other universities say, I see what other places articulate. We’re in a really different place at Purdue. We’re standing very very strongly behind right there with you.

“Please know and feel that we’re there with you every single step of the way and that’s not just today, not just tomorrow, but for the weeks and months and years to come. You’re all a part of our Boilermaker family anything and everything we can to be helpful, you can count on us.”

After all the speeches were finished, students and community members gathered close together and ended the night by singing a prayer.

Overall, the event occurred peacefully, with there only being one visible protestor in the crowd holding a “Jewish Values = Land Back” sign.

Purdue: Both gatherings properly registered

Purdue University also released a statement regarding Wednesday’s and Thursday’s events.

“Concerning the barbaric terrorist attacks that targeted Israeli civilians and also killed citizens of our country, Purdue University has extended support to the many Purdue students whose families and who themselves are directly impacted. Generally, student support and counseling are available for anyone in need,” the statement reads.

“Wednesday's vigil in honor of those killed and abducted, as well as Thursday’s march, are planned and registered with the proper university channels, with full consideration for the safety of those involved, and law enforcement is on alert against antisemitic threats, as observed in other cities.”

“While the university refrains from extensive comments on sociopolitical matters as an institution so as to maximize freedom by individual members of the university to express their opinions, messages by student groups or by individuals associated with these groups do not represent the university.”

“While the right to free speech is protected on campus for everyone, even when the content of the speech is abhorrent, any act of physical violence ceases to be speech and will be promptly addressed by the university along with police departments or federal law enforcement, with a focus on the safety of all students.”

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue University students gather to mourn lost in attack on Israel