The KU Jewish community and allies came together on the evening of Oct. 10 to hold a vigil in support of Israel, coordinated by organizations including Students Supporting Israel (SSI), KU Hillel, KU Chabad, and AEPi and ZBT fraternities.
The vigil was open for the entire Lawrence, Kansas, and KU community to come together in the wake of the Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel by Hamas. Following news of the attacks, student leaders immediately expressed a desire to take collective action in solidarity with friends and loved ones directly impacted by the horrific acts of violence.
KU Hillel Assistant Director Ben Davis was one of the representatives who helped plan the gathering and said, “I’m particularly impressed with the student leadership involved in planning, organizing and running our KU community gathering for Israel. Their tireless work, while themselves still processing the news of the attacks, gives me such hope.”
Sammi Grofsky, a member of SSI, was one of the students who helped with event planning.
“Over the past couple days, I have felt a sense of hopelessness,” she said, “and to do something to help helped me get my mind off of things and feel like I was actually helping. In times like this, there need to be people to step up and take the lead.”
More than 250 people attended the vigil, including students, faculty and community members. Speakers included:
- Evan Berkowitz, ZBT director of recruitment
- Avi Blitz, KU Hillel senior Jewish educator
- Addie Brand, AEPi president
- Dori Jezmir, SSI president
- Mika Kislanski, Kansas City Jewish community shalicha
- Karla Leeper, University of Kansas vice chancellor for strategic communications and public affairs
- Mayor Lisa Larsen, Lawrence, Kansas
- Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, KU Chabad director
- An Israel Defense Forces reservist (who cannot disclose his full name)
Speakers led prayer, shared moving stories and calls to action, and expressed solidarity with Israel and the Jewish community.
Following the service, those in attendance were encouraged to stay for refreshments and discussion groups led by SSI. There were also opportunities to participate in tzedakah and do mitzvot.