A Message from CMU President, Farnam Jahanian: The Crisis in the Middle East
Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,On Monday, I released a message that strongly condemned violence, terrorism and extremism. After talking with members of our community, I felt it was important to write again and specifically and directly condemn Hamas for their acts of terrorism against Israelis.
Let me be very clear: Terrorism is always and unequivocally unjustifiable and Hamas’s blatant disregard for human life and dignity is abhorrent. I strongly condemn Hamas for their vile acts of terrorism. I also wish to lift up something U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed today — that “...Hamas doesn’t represent the Palestinian people or their legitimate aspirations to live with equal measures of security, freedom, justice, opportunity and dignity.”
No human life — regardless of an individual’s background, homeland or beliefs — deserves to be threatened or extinguished because of extremism or hatred. The reality is that this crisis is far from over, and the world is bracing for more devastation and heartbreak.
As conversations around this crisis continue — online and on campus — some members of our community have expressed increased fears and feelings of anxiety. I must be clear here, too: There is no place on our campus for anti-Semitism, xenophobia, Islamophobia or any form of hate or intolerance. Resources continue to be available for students, faculty, and staff, and I have linked several below.
While the Carnegie Mellon community cannot solve this conflict, we are steadfast in our commitment as an academic institution to confronting hate through education and open, respectful dialogue. During this academic year and beyond, we will continue to lean into these conversations — and lean on each other.
Sincerely,
Farnam Jahanian
President