To my dear illini Chabad family.
We just got back from a 6 hour debate in the Illinois students senate regarding BDS resolution on our campus.
I know we all many mixed feeling right now, deep disappointment that it was passed, yet, we also saw many hours of seeing clearly how this entire thing was a sham from the start.
It makes sense to feel mixed feeling.
I want to firstly thank the HUNDREDS of students that came out, spoke, stood tall, you showed your Jewish and Israel Pride. No one can take that away from. We should all, how this was rigged from the start. You speaking up, showing up gave a strong message, we will not be defeated. We are proud and strong.
Chabad commits to increase our Jewish and Israel programming on campus, classes, events and more, and we will continue working with our Administration and University to create more partnerships, trips, classes and relationships with Israel.
I also encourage our students to get involved, run for senate elections in a few weeks, become active.
There is a lot more to write, but it is 1:30am. See below for our statement.
I also want to share we are in close touch with our administration, who immediately put out a statement how they do not support this resolution. See below.
In closing, I want to share, we are here for you 24/7, you can email me, call or text me on my cell 2178404227, Chabad is here for you. You are not alone.
AM YISROEL CHAI!
Rabbi Dovid Tiechtel
Illini Chabad