University Chaplains Assist Students Amid Tensions from Israel-Hamas War

University chaplains provide spiritual guidance, organize vigils and attempt to foster dialogue amidst intense campus polarization as students grapple with fear, grief and complex geopolitical issues, ignited by the Israel-Hamas war.

University chaplains are providing spiritual guidance and support to students who are deeply affected by the tensions from the Israel-Hamas war, with many dealing with fear, grief and complex geopolitical issues.
Chaplains at Rutgers University, including Muslim chaplain Kaiser Aslam and Rabbi Esther Reed, have been helping students grappling with fears over public advocacy for Palestinians or criticism of Israel and the potential career repercussions. Some students are also grieving family members lost during the conflict.
Rabbi Reed and chaplain Aslam both acknowledge the fear felt by both Muslim and Jewish students on campus, emphasizing that both groups are 'walking around scared.'
In efforts to provide comfort and understanding, university chaplains are organizing vigils, leading prayers and fostering community for students. However, they note the significant challenge posed by the depth of suffering and inflamed passions on campuses.
Despite the high tensions, there's a push for fostering dialogue and mutual understanding among different views on campuses, although the sensitivity of the moment makes this particularly difficult.