Please find a transcript below of the Vice-Chancellor's video message. This message was emailed to all staff and students on 25 October.
Advice and support for those impacted can be found on our dedicated webpage
Dear all,
I hope term is going well for you and that you are able to enjoy some of this wonderful autumnal light.
Following the devastating attacks on Israel by Hamas just over two weeks ago, and the desperate humanitarian crisis in Gaza, I want to follow up on my previous communications and address you all as a community.
This is an incredibly distressing time, and I remind you that there are many in our community who are directly affected by what is happening. Others of us will be feeling the pain of friends and colleagues in anguish.
I know from my long experience here, that Oxford University is a community that welcomes and embraces people of all faiths and backgrounds. That includes Palestinian and Israeli people, and those of the Jewish faith and of the Muslim faith. It is in our DNA, and Oxford is stronger because of that.
At the core of that strength is our kindness, our empathy, our humanity, our tolerance. As an institution, Oxford is more than just a place of learning, teaching and research. We are a community that cares for one another and learns from each other. This is how Oxford leads: by example.
So, at this worrying and distressing time, I urge every one of us to do everything we can to protect and preserve the best of our community. Yes, you can voice your concern. Yes, you can take part in peaceful protest. But there are lines that must not be crossed. We will not tolerate hate directed at any faith or ethnic group. There is no place for antisemitism or Islamophobia. We encourage you to report any such incidents.
It is so important right now that we stay true to who we are; that we continue to show care to our friends and colleagues; that we remain generous and respectful towards each other. I am confident that we can, and will, stay together.
Thank you.
ENDS
