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The situation in Israel and Gaza
Posted on behalf of: Student Communications
Last updated: Tuesday, 17 October 2023
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil, wrote to all students earlier this afternoon. You can read the full message below:
Dear Students,
I am writing to you today to recognise that for many members of our community the events that are unfolding in Israel and Gaza are deeply distressing. We know that this is a very worrying time for those who have family, friends and loved ones in the region, particularly Jewish and Palestinian students. I want to express my sympathy to everyone affected by the situation.
As a community we are rightly proud of our international outlook, and as students and staff we all come together to learn and grow, peacefully and with mutual respect. This is what makes Sussex such a special place. The values of inclusion and kindness are central to how we aspire to live and work together, and respecting differences of background, belief, identity, nationality and religion is vital.
It is important for me to underline that nothing is more important to the University than ensuring the safety and security of our students and staff. We will not tolerate expressions of antisemitism, Islamophobia, or any form of racism. If you experience or witness any unacceptable behaviours, please let us know using the Report and Support tool. You can make a report anonymously if you wish, or you can give your name and we will contact you to offer support and guidance.
We have reached out directly to those students who we know are from Israel and Gaza, to offer advice, and practical and wellbeing support, and I would like to remind you all about our support services.
Health, support, and wellbeing
Your wellbeing is hugely important to us, and we provide a variety of wellbeing services to you throughout your time at university. Our therapeutic services are free and available to all University of Sussex students.
If you are affected by recent events and would be interested in joining a support group, facilitated by a therapist, where you can share your experiences in a safe confidential space, please email therapy@sussex.ac.uk.
Alternatively, you may find it helpful to visit our Chaplaincy service based in the Meeting House, where Chaplains representing a wide variety of religious and nonreligious perspectives are available. You can also contact our Lead Chaplain, James Croft, for an appointment by emailing J.F.Croft@sussex.ac.uk.
Online student mental health support – available anytime and any day of the week
Free online mental health support is available for students via Togetherall – any time, any day. Simply register online with your Sussex email address to get started.
Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low or just need a place to talk, Togetherall helps you explore your feelings in a safe and supportive environment.
Money and funding information, advice, and support
If you are experiencing financial hardship, either as a result of recent events or due to other circumstances, you can find out about hardship support available.
In the context of the current crisis, we will continue to support all students, particularly those from, or with connections to Israel and Gaza, but before I conclude, I ask you to consider all that we all have in common as human beings and members of this university community seeking to study and work together, whatever differences there may also be between us.
Holding this in mind will help us to support and understand each other through these very difficult days.
With my very best wishes,
Sasha
Professor Sasha Roseneil
Vice-Chancellor and President
Support for staff
The University has a range of support services available for staff, and these can be accessed via our staff wellbeing page. Colleagues affected by the situation in Israel and Gaza can also access confidential independent advice, information and support from the Employee Assistance Programme provided by Spectrum.Life – including access to highly qualified counsellors by phone, WhatsApp, live chat and SMS, or you can request a call back 24/7, 365 days a year.
Alternatively, you may find it helpful to visit our Chaplaincy service based in the Meeting House, where Chaplains representing a wide variety of religious and nonreligious perspectives are available. You can also contact our Lead Chaplain, James Croft, for an appointment by emailing J.F.Croft@sussex.ac.uk.