Honoring October 7th

Yesterday, October 16th, our students gathered on CSUN's lawn to mark two years since the events of October 7th, 2023. Our student president shared the following words:

"Today, as we gather to remember the second anniversary of October 7th and can rejoice over the release of the remaining living hostages, I would like to share how much I have been inspired and empowered by the resilience and strength of Hillel 818 and the larger CSUN Jewish community in the face of this horrific tragedy. While some of us understandably retreated to grieve and hide from fear of rising antisemitism, it wasn’t long before CSUN Jewish students and organizations sprang into action. From vigils to honor the hostages and victims, to multiple fundraisers for charity, to conversations with witnesses of the massacre, to discussions with activists, and to safe spaces to process our emotions, we have come together and used our despair to build a stronger Jewish campus community and put some good into the world through mitzvot. Surrounded by all of you, I am hopeful for the future. We are the future of Judaism. And we have demonstrated that we are proud of our Jewish identity, and that when we come together as a community, we will survive and thrive. I look forward to this journey with all of you now and in the years to come. Never forget and Am Yisrael Chai."

-Kaela Noik, CSUN Class of 2026