UC San Diego Statement on the Attack Against Israel

October 10, 2023

To add to the support resources we offered yesterday, I write to express my unequivocal condemnation of Hamas’ horrific terrorist attack on Israel and targeting of civilians. I stand completely aligned with University of California Board of Regents Chair Richard Leib and UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D., whose message I share below.

I keep in my heart all innocent victims of this warfare and offer my condolences to their loved ones. As the ongoing devastation continues, I remain hopeful that those held in captivity will soon be safely returned home and that a peaceful resolution to this violence can be reached. I keep those who are experiencing loss and fear in my thoughts and reaffirm our unwavering support to our Triton community.

Pradeep K. Khosla
Chancellor

A Message from the University of California on Mideast Violence

University of California Board of Regents Chair Richard Leib and UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D., shared the following statement on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in the wake of a violent weekend in the Middle East:

Our hearts are heavy in the face of the horrific attack on Israel over the weekend, which involved the loss of many innocent lives and the abduction of innocent hostages, including children and the elderly. This was an act of terrorism, launched on a major Jewish holiday. What should have been a quiet weekend of rest turned into days of unspeakable terror and shock. The violence is deeply disturbing, and as of this moment we still do not know the fate of the hostages. This act deserves and requires our collective condemnation.

With missiles continuing to rain down on Israeli cities and warfare now under way in Gaza, the number of innocents affected are multiplying by the hour. As a University community, which includes people from all different nationalities, faiths and political beliefs, our expressions of grief extend to all innocent people affected by this ongoing conflict. We know many members of the University of California community are deeply and directly affected by these events. Our thoughts are with you. We encourage you to seek out support services on your campus if you are struggling.

We continue to hope for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict that has left so many people grieving, suffering, wounded, or killed.

We are grateful that all known UC students, faculty, and staff currently in the region are accounted for and safe. UC officials are in contact with them, and they are receiving guidance and following local security recommendations. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and take action as appropriate.

Additional resources and information for the University of California community can be found at the following links:

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem: Security Alerts

UC Education Abroad Program emergency information

University of California campus counseling centers