April 16, 2007 — On behalf of the rabbis and staff of the 120 Chabad Student Centers in the United States and around the world, we express our profound shock at the senseless shooting that occurred earlier today at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia. Jewish tradition teaches that each human being is an entire world. Dozens of worlds were prematurely darkened today. The victims and their families are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory, taught of the need to turn tears into action. In the wake of today's tragedy, Chabad on Campus pledges to redouble its efforts to be a beacon of light on the college campus — to provide a safe, nurturing environment to everyone who enters our doors. We urge students to increase in acts of goodness and kindness.
...let’s turn darkness to light by adding in acts of goodness and kindnessThe men and women of Chabad are poised to offer any necessary assistance to the families of the victims and to the Virginia Tech campus community.
Students on other campuses seeking a safe space to discuss the tragedy, for guidance or referral, may contact their local Chabad student center. Please click here for a complete directory.
Chabad on Campus acts as a home-away-from-home, providing educational, social, spiritual and holiday programming for Jewish students at more than 120 campuses worldwide. To learn more about Chabad on Campus, please click here.
Join the "Hearts to Hokies" campaign, turning grief into action
Send condolences to the family of slain Jewish professor
Thirty Three Murders: Commentary by Yanky Tauber
Virginia Tech murders While not wanting to detract from the tragedy opn the Virginia Tech campus a few days ago, I have to question the amazing number tears being shed for tjose innocent lives taken in a truly senseless act of depravity. Somehow one might conclude that the lives of American youths are, somehow, of more value than the lives of, shall we say...Blacks in Darfur, Orientals in Cambodia some years ago, etc., etc.
If, in fact, all human life is sacred and Godly, than one must conclude that the 33 lives in Virginia are no more, nor less, valued than any others.
In all fairness, where is the hue and cry over any number of tragic losses of human lives that occur on almost any given day?
Perspective is lacking in my humble opinion.