Since October 7, many of us are following the war in Israel and Gaza with horror. Some of us are affected deeply and personally, with colleagues, friends, and family killed or in danger. We dread the human toll yet to come.

NESA stands as a community to support those who are personally distressed and acutely concerned about the people caught in this conflict.  We also realize that the war and this entire situation is extremely difficult to talk about in the classroom. We need to be sensitive to the distress our colleagues and students may be experiencing and support those who may be adversely affected by these ongoing events.

Standing as a community can start with maintaining awareness of others' needs, spoken and unspoken, expressing concern, and being willing to listen. In addition, there are professional services available. For students, the Office of Student Life’s Counseling and Consultation Service has a list of resources that are available 24/7. Students can also access support and resources provided by the Student Wellness Center, Student Advocacy Center and the Center for Belonging and Social Change. Faculty and staff can utilize the Employee Assistance Program. The Wexner Medical Center’s Stress, Trauma and Resilience (STAR) program and the Office of Institutional Equity are available to students, faculty and staff. Please share those links. And please let me know if you would like to talk.

Morgan Liu

Chair, Department of Near East & South Asian Languages & Cultures (NESA)