Dear MEZCOPH faculty, staff, and students,

I am deeply horrified and saddened by the recent violence and tragic loss of life in Israel and Gaza. Like so many of you, I am very concerned about the effects of the war on civilians in both Israel and Gaza. Many innocent civilians have lost their lives, and many others are in terrible circumstances. We must recognize that the individuals living in this region, regardless of their nationality, religion, or ethnicity, are often ordinary citizens, caught in a conflict they do not support.

Our hearts go out to all those suffering due to the ongoing violence and instability in the region, and to all those who fear for family, friends, and colleagues who live there. It is a painful reality that many families, including children, are enduring immense hardship and trauma. In times like these, it is crucial for the international community to come together to offer humanitarian aid, medical assistance, and psychological support to those in need.

Our thoughts are with all our students, faculty, and staff who have family, professional, and academic ties to the region. I share the heartbreak, fear, and uncertainty that so many of us feel during this time.

We encourage anyone suffering directly or indirectly from this violence to reach out to available campus support, including CAPS for students and ComPsych for employees.

MEZCOPH is committed to providing a safe, inclusive environment, that centers compassion and promotes peaceful relations. 

Iman Hakim
Dean, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health