Dear Fordham Law Community,
As Father McShane noted in his message yesterday, we decry the anti-Semitic and anti-Islamic attacks in the wake of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. What is happening in the Middle East is deeply tragic, and it is appalling that Jews and Muslims are now being targeted around the world and here at home.
I join Father McShane in denouncing the vicious attack in Times Square in which a Jewish man was beaten by protestors. We must all stand together against violence inspired by religious or ethnic hatred. As Father McShane so eloquently said, “An attack against one of us is an attack against all of us.” We also condemn the use of anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim rhetoric and symbols that cause division and pain rather than dialogue and understanding.
Naturally, the conflict has elicited strong passions for many in our community. As a law school, we pride ourselves on rigorous intellectual debate and respectful discussion of even the most contentious issues. As events in the Middle East continue to unfold—hopefully in the direction of peace over war—it’s critical that each of us does our part to maintain an environment where all members of our community can feel safe and respected.
Warmly,
Matthew Diller
Dean and Paul Fuller Professor of Law