Message to the NJCU Community on the Continued Conflict and Violence in Gaza and Israel

Dear Members of the NJCU Community,

NJCU is horrified and deeply saddened by the loss of thousands of innocent lives as a result of the continued conflict and violence in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank over the course of these recent troubling weeks. Any civilian life lost is a tragedy and our university community stands in solidarity with Israeli, Jewish, Palestinian, and Arabic community members in their unimaginable grief, as well as with anyone else who has been affected by this crisis. 

NJCU is a refuge. Now, more than ever, regardless of our ethnic or religious identity, it is imperative that we show up, as a community, to support one another. Our institution has long recognized that our strength lies in our diversity. As I said in a message on October 7 during the initial outbreak of violence, our beautiful campus is emboldened by the cultures and heritages that come together. The ethnic diversity of our NJCU campus is a microcosm for that of Jersey City and Hudson County, and the larger world. Every day on our campus the beautiful tapestry of cultures from all over the world are woven together into one community, and we will never allow that community to be divided.

Let us be clear to our Jewish and Muslim friends that there is never an excuse for anti-Semitism or Islamophobia, and we must all remain vigilant against bigotry on our campus and in our wider community. New Jersey City University’s first priority must always be the safety of its members — physically, mentally, and emotionally — and that security starts by providing a support network that fosters an inclusive, safe, and thoughtful academic community.

In troubled times, respectful and thoughtful dialogue is more important than ever, and we want our students, faculty, and staff to feel comfortable expressing their views, sharing their pain, and illuminating their hopes for a peaceful resolution to this conflict and a more just future that promotes the values we all believe in. We will always be a university that respects differing viewpoints because our community deserves nothing less. But differing viewpoints and experiences cannot blind us to our common humanity. To hear each other is to see each other.

We are here for you. Please know that services are available to any student or employee coping with grief. NJCU provides a variety of pathways for students to receive wellness services and resources. Please visit the NJCU Counseling Center Services to find the best option for you. Whether in-person with any of our NJCU counselors, online through our partners at UWill, or peer-to-peer through our partners at Talk Campus, we are here for you. The UWill service is available to anyone — student, faculty, or staff — with an NJCU email address.

You may visit the NJCU Counseling Center in the Gilligan Student Union (Room 308), or contact the Center at 201-200-3165 or via email at counselingcenter@njcu.edu.

Finally, the following resources are available to assist you or someone you know in need of help.
• On campus: Call 201-200-3128 for Public Safety
• Off campus: Call 988 (Mental health) or 911, or go to your nearest hospital emergency room
 
Additional resources available 24/7:
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline & Mental Health Emergencies: Call or text 988
• NJ Hopeline: 1-855-654-6735

For additional resources and information, please visit HERE.

Today, like every day, we must stand together in the spirit of peace, solidarity, and love. 

Andrés Acebo
Interim President
New Jersey City University