We are deeply shocked and appalled at yesterday’s shooting of members of the Jewish community at Bondi Beach in Australia. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone directly or indirectly affected.
Today, we come together as a community to light the Menorah to mark the Jewish festival of Chanukah. This festival celebrates light, resilience and community. It is especially important for us to gather to stand together in friendship and respect at a time when events around the world can feel unsettling. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the recent violence at Bondi Beach, and we reaffirm our commitment to a campus where every person feels safe, valued, and supported.
We recognise that some members of our BU community may be particularly impacted and distressed by these events. We want to remind you that BU’s support services are available for any student or colleague affected and that we are here to support.
At BU, we value freedom of speech and our inclusive environment where respect for one another is at the heart of our values. This is why we have a zero-tolerance approach to anti-semitism and any other form of abuse or hate crime. Please do be respectful of members of our community, showing extra care for one another, especially those who may be directly affected by these events.
Support for students
If you are a student affected by recent events and feel that it is impacting your studies or research, please talk to your programme team. There is a range of resources to support your health and wellbeing on the website, including contact details for our services, guidance for looking after your wellbeing and a comprehensive list of wellbeing resources. Our Faith & Reflection service also offers a space for quiet space on campus. If you would like specific help, please get in contact with the AskBU team.
Support for staff
If you are affected by recent events, please talk to your line manager about any impact on you and your work. You can also access a range of resources from the Health, Safety and Wellbeing team on the staff intranet, including details of how to access the Employee Assistance Programme and information about supplementary external support available. The Faith & Reflection service supports staff and students and offers a space for quiet space on campus. If there is further help you need, please get in touch with HR and/or the Health, Safety and Wellbeing team.
