| On Friday, November 28, 2008 while students, staff, and faculty were relaxing and dining with friends and family tragedy struck Mumbai, India. Many woke up to the shocking news related to terrorist attacks, vandalism, bombings, and countless deaths. Later in the day, the Jewish community mourned the confirmation that at the Nariman House, operated by Chabad-Lubavitch, Rabbi Gavriel Holtzerg and his wife, Rivka, along with 185 other victims had perished. As students returned to campus, existing partnerships were strengthened and support was provided to those affected and in need. Over a three day period, campuses in Philadelphia held memorial services, vigils, and discussions. In partnership with the Indian student community, interfaith communities, and Chabad, students joined together to remember this tragic moment.
Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges: Students at Haverford had the opportunity to hear first hand stories related to the lives of Rabbi Gavi and Rivka Holtzerg on Tuesday, December 2 during a campus vigil. Rabbi Eli (the campus Chabad rabbi) a close friend of the Holtzerg's spoke and shared personal stories. Various people spoke throughout the event and students bonded together. On Wednesday, December 3, a vigil was held on the Bryn Mawr campus.
Drexel University: "As a community, we stand in solidarity with the people of India as they heal their wounds and comfort those in grief following this tragedy. We condemn these and all other hateful acts that target innocent people based on place of origin or religious belief." Sandra Apfel - President, Hillel; Kelsey Gold - President, Achayot B'Yichud; Brian Saunders - President, Alpha Epsilon Phi Fraternity. Throughout the course of the week, a variety of opportunities presented themself for students to gather in order to honor and celebrate the lives of those lost or affected by this tragedy. On Tuesday evening, a campuswide moment of silence occurred. The following evening, Drexel students joined with the University of Pennsylvania for a memorial service in conjunction with Chabad. In addition, speakers were arranged to visit campus, informal conversations occurred, and a special Shabbat was planned for Friday evening. Swarthmore College: On Tuesday evening, there was a small gathering on campus. Cosponsored with Chabad, students joined together to say a few prayers, study a small piece of Mishna (Jewish text) in honor of those who died, and listen to stories from the Chabad Rabbi regarding his friends who passed away. Many students were saddened by the events and used this space as an opportunity to reflect and question how to respond. On Thursday evening, a larger campus-wide vigil was scheduled to take place. Temple University: Through the efforts of the Hillel Staff at Temple University and the Dean of Students Office, 200 people came together on Tuesday evening at the campus Bell Tower for a candelight vigil in recognition of the tragic events in India. The 30 minute program began with the singing of India's National Anthem by two Temple students. As they sung the anthem, quietly at first, the Indian students in attendance joined in; intensifying the moment and elevating the spirit of the somber crowd. Three distinct speakers addressed the crowd; an urban economics professor from India spoke about the light of goodness overcoming the darkness of this tragedy; the second, the President of the Indian Student Association at Temple spoke about his grandmother and his recollections of India; and third, Rabbi Kantor spoke about his personal relationship with the Chabad couple who had been slain just days before. A powerful moment of silence was invoked and the vigil concluded with the Temple University Gospel Choir singing a solemn hymn asking God for strength and hope. University of Pennsylvania: On Monday evening, December 1, there was a candlelight vigil held on Locust Walk, coordinated by the Indian Students Society. Students gathered, lit candles, and shared thoughts on the weekend's events. Later, on Wednesday evening, a larger gathering was held. Students from the various religious communities gathered to express their solidarity with the families of those who lost loved ones and united in prayer. The evening began with remarks from Chaplain, Charles Howard, who challenged students to "rebuild the world." Later in the evening, a memorial event was held at the Chabad House where Rabbi Howard Alpert, Executive Director of Hillel of Greater Philadelphia shared remarks, along with Rabbi Efraim Levin from Chabad, and Rabbi Mordy Friedman from the Jewish Learning Initiative of Hillel. Throughout the evening, remarks were made, and campus service projects were discussed including blood drives to assist the victims. Rabbi Levin from Chabad said we should not only focus on the high death toll but also remember that each life is unique. Media coverage from the Daily Pennsylvania can be found here.
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