We, the undersigned students and faculty of Princeton University, are gravely alarmed by recent incidents in the Middle East and vehemently denounce the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas. The following content contains a recollection of Hamas violence and may be triggering to readers. Please proceed at your own discretion.
The events of the past few days represent the deadliest attack on the Jewish community since the Holocaust.
TRIGGER WARNING: On October 7th, Hamas—the political and military organization currently governing the Gaza Strip in the Palestinian territories—carried out a premeditated terrorist attack against Israeli civilians. Hamas militants paraglided into a music festival and massacred more than 260 attendees. Other Hamas forces infiltrated via ground and water into residential areas to carry out their brutal murders.
Civilians in the streets, both young and old, were shot and killed at random. Drivers were shot at the wheel as they passed by. Elderly citizens sitting on public benches were shot in broad daylight. Entire families were killed, babies included, as Hamas militants either broke into homes or shot through walls. Some killings were live-streamed on social media, while others were sent as depraved private messages to the victims' family members. Dead bodies of women, men, and members of the Israeli Defense Force were dragged through the streets as symbols of terror. Some were found decapitated. The few who were spared are being held hostage as military leverage, with Hamas threatening live executions if Israel retaliates. Moreover, Hamas forces have been reported to use civilians in the Gaza Strip as human deterrence to protect themselves against Israeli military response. This is the current reality in the Middle East.
There is a dire need for us to condemn these acts of pure evil and terror carried out by Hamas. The abduction and senseless killing of innocent men, women, children, and the elderly is wholly unjustified and paints a grim picture. In just a few days, the death toll has been mounting rapidly, surpassing 1,200 Israelis with additional casualties on the Palestinian side including both militants and, unfortunately, civilians due to Israeli military response.
Furthermore, nationals from other countries such as Germany, France, Canada, Thailand, and the Philippines have also been killed, injured, or taken hostage by Hamas. As of October 12th, 2023, at least 22 American citizens have been killed in the conflict, with the Department of State stating that 17 American citizens remain missing and unaccounted for.
Each loss of innocent life on both sides is heart-wrenching. However, we should not blur the lines between the instigators and the defenders in this tragedy. Hamas premeditatedly targeted civilians without any strategic military goal other than mass mayhem, an action that unequivocally constitutes as a war crime. Israeli forces, in contrast, were forced into a posture of self-defense, contending with hostage crises and rocket attacks emanating from populated areas.
Global democratic leaders have unanimously condemned Hamas' terrorist activities as devoid of any justification or legitimacy, advocating for Israel's right to protect its citizens. Leaders from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy have issued a joint statement of solidarity and steadfast support for the State of Israel, while other countries such as Canada, India, Australia, and the Netherlands have voiced their concurring condemnations of Hamas and their appalling acts of terrorism.
Universities are crucibles for shaping future leaders and for instilling a moral compass into their students. As such, we understand that certain actions, like terroristic war crimes, are incontrovertibly wrong. A balanced condemnation of violence, devoid of moral relativism, is what's needed from our academic institutions. It's disheartening when the discourse shifts away from this core principle, allowing for the rationalization or even celebration of terrorism. Make no mistake: Princeton is no hearth for terrorist apologia. Failing to voice our condemnation can potentially signal that the lives of Israelis everywhere, including the United States, are not safe.
While the Israeli-Palestinian situation is historically complicated and multi-layered, the events of the past week are less so. There is evil in this world, and it is our responsibility as educators and scholars to call it out unequivocally. Freedom of speech is sacrosanct, but it is essential for our community to reject narratives that legitimize or excuse acts of terror. However, we understand that Princeton is home to students from diverse geographic backgrounds, including those from conflict zones. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted. The loss of life in Gaza due to Israeli military response is deeply regrettable.
We echo the words of world leaders:
"We make clear that the terrorist actions of Hamas have no justification, no legitimacy, and must be universally condemned. All of us recognize the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people and support equal measures of justice and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike. But make no mistake: Hamas does not represent those aspirations and offers nothing for the Palestinian people other than more terror and bloodshed. Over the coming days, we will remain united and coordinated, together as allies, and as common friends of Israel, to ensure Israel is able to defend itself and to ultimately set the conditions for a peaceful and integrated Middle East region."
In solidarity with all members of the Princeton community who feel threatened or isolated, we vow to take individual and collective action in denouncing the Hamas terrorist attacks. We invite all members of the Princeton community to join us in condemning the violence perpetrated by Hamas. By signing the pledge below, you lend your voice to the call for peace and an end to senseless terrorism imposed upon innocent civilians.
View the pledge here: https://tinyurl.com/princeton-against-terrorism.
