By Paige Dalto ’24, associate editor

In response to the violence in the Middle East, President James MacLaren and Chaplain Andrea Haldeman will hold a vigil of peace and remembrance on Thursday, Oct. 12 in the academic quad.

For background on the conflict, Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist militant group, launched a surprise attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7. The attack has resulted in the deaths of hundreds, many of them civilians.

According to BBC, the death toll in Israel has reached 1,200 with more than 1,100 killed in the air strikes on Gaza. Between Israel and Palestine, the death toll has surpassed 2,200.

During the attack, Hamas also took nearly 150 Israeli hostages and has threatened to kill the civilians if Israel attacks Gaza.

The ongoing attack has gained significant attention on social media, specifically due to the online coverage of Hamas’ attack at the Nova music festival near the Gaza Strip. Circulating videos show the unspeakable violence of Hamas gunmen killing and kidnapping festivalgoers.

The U.S. has pledged support for Israel but did not send troops into the conflict, which has no end yet in sight.

During this time of shock, horror, anger and sadness, the need for community support is at an all-time high.

“As a community that values global citizenship, kindness and inclusion, we must reject terrorism, hatred and division, instead seeking love and common ground,” MacLaren said in a school-wide email regarding the conflict.

LVC’s vigil of peace will take place at noon and will include prayers for all Jewish, Muslim and Christian community members.

Additional resources are available for those struggling during this painful time. For spiritual support, students can reach out to Haldeman or visit Miller Chapel and the interfaith prayer room, which is open 24/7. For counseling services, students can visit the second floor of Bishop Library or reach out at counselingservices@lvc.edu.