President Price Condemns Attacks by Hamas in Israel

Duke is providing community support for those affected by violence

Aerial view of Clocktower Quad

Duke is providing support to a university community shaken by the weekend's attacks in Israel and the ensuing violence. President Vincent Price issued a statement Tuesday calling for all at Duke to be present for one another, to condemn brutality and hatred of all kinds, and to embrace our common humanity.

"I am shocked and saddened at the terror attacks by Hamas in Israel and the continuing conflict that has taken so many innocent lives," Price wrote. "I feel deeply for all in our community and beyond who are in pain.

"The university has been providing immediate assistance for our students, faculty and staff who are in the region. We have made additional support available to members of our community who are anxious about their loved ones, and those who are affected by these events in other ways. Several student groups hosted a vigil last night in partnership with faculty members and Jewish Life at Duke. I am grateful so many took part in this shared space for grieving, affirmation and fellowship at a time of such profound distress in our Jewish community.

"The rise in antisemitism in recent years is grievously alarming, and as with discrimination and hatred of all kinds, must be rejected and countered by an abiding embrace of our common humanity. Violence is never the answer, nor will it ever be a path to peace. 

"I encourage our Duke community to sustain an inclusive, understanding and supportive way forward, one that is respectful of different perspectives, condemning of brutality and hatred in all their forms, and consistent with our mission and values."

SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a service for undergraduate, graduate and professional students that provides short-term individual and group counseling, couples counseling and more. It also offers a multitude of resources and referrals to help you cope during stressful or difficult times.
  • DukeReach helps identify support services from among the variety of resources across campus or in your local community. Contact DukeReach at 919-681-2455 or by email.
  • The Office of Institutional Equity addresses concerns and complaints about harassment and discrimination, and can provide support with changes to academic, living, transportation, and working situations. 
  • Blue Devils Care offers Duke students 24/7, no-cost mental health support as well as scheduled counseling for common issues and concerns. All services are provided virtually.
  • The Duke International Student Center (DISC), located in Smith Warehouse, coordinates outreach and support to international students across the graduate, professional and undergraduate student population. DISC engages many international students to ensure timely support during moments of uncertainty in their home region.
  • Duke’s identity and cultural centers, including DISC and the LIFE office, provide education, advocacy and support for Duke students, including students with extended families living outside the United States. 
  • Duke Chapel and Religious Life at Duke offer support to students regardless of your connection to a religious tradition. Visit the website to connect with leaders from any of Duke’s diverse faith groups, all of whom are experienced in offering emotional and spiritual care to college students. 
  • DukeLine is an anonymous text-message platform where undergraduate students can take concerns about anxiety, conflict, identity struggles, financial stress and other topics to a peer coach who is also a Duke undergraduate student. Students can text (984) 230-4888 on evenings and weekends to reach a peer coach. Coaches are volunteers who have been trained to listen to concerns and help students find additional support and research at Duke and beyond.

SUPPORT FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

  • Duke's Personal Assistance Service offers assessment, short-term counseling and referrals to help faculty and employees resolve personal, work and family problems. PAS services are available free of charge to Duke faculty and staff, and their immediate family.
  • The Office of Institutional Equity addresses concerns and complaints about harassment and discrimination, and can provide support with changes to academic, living, transportation, and working situations. 

SUPPORT FOR FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENTS

  • International Emergency Response resources provide immediate assistance when health and safety are at risk abroad, including 24/7 support from International SOS and, for employees, CIGNA Medical Benefits Abroad.