Audio Transcript SU students and security prepare for anniversary of Oct. 7 attacks
Rena Perry: 1,200 people were killed on Oct. 7 last year in Israel, sparking both a war and hundreds of student demonstrations on college campuses. At SU, Jewish students, like Emma Berkowitz, are worried the anniversary will bring more antisemitism.
Emma Berkowitz: I definitely have been fearing protests and also in Israel, I feel something might happen today.
Rena Perry: The Department of Public Safety at SU has increased their patrol presence on campus. Berkowitz says she worries about going to Jewish events, but will not be ashamed of her identity.
Emma Berkowitz: I get really freaked out because I think they’re going to do something to me, but at the end of the day, I’m always going to be proud that I’m Jewish.
Rena Perry: The SU Jewish community is holding a vigil tonight for Israeli victims.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News)– Oct. 7 marks the first anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel. The Jewish community across Central New York is still healing after 1,200 Israelis were killed during the attacks. As the anniversary approaches, college campuses are increasing security measures in fear of more protests and violence as the community holds events and commemorations.
Syracuse University students like Emma Berkowitz express concerns about staying safe as tensions continue to rise. She says she fears more protests and violence, even for her family and friends in Israel and around the country. As a Syracuse student, she mentally prepares for more demonstrations, like the encampments on college campuses nationwide.
The SU Department of Public Safety is also preparing for the anniversary by improving student safety measures, such as increasing the number of officers on duty and constantly patrolling campus. DPS says they also increased security around popular Jewish spaces, such as Syracuse Hillel, Chabad of Syracuse and Hendricks Chapel.
Despite fears, Jewish students were encouraged to join Syracuse Hillel that evening for a vigil and remembrance ceremony at Hendricks Chapel to honor victims and offer support.