Over the past week and a half, the world has seen the horrific and unjustifiable terrorist attacks in Israel, and the devastating ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip. We unequivocally condemn Hamas’ brutal terrorist attack and offer our most heartfelt sympathy and support to those members of the Law School community who are suffering as a result of these tragic events. Whether your family or friends are in the region, or your faith or ethnicity tie you to it, we want to express our steadfast friendship and commitment to you.
Many of us came to UVA because of its special community and the wonderful people who comprise it. It is important to remember that the measure of friendship is not found in how we conduct ourselves when little is required of us. It is in the challenging moments, where perhaps we seriously, even viscerally, disagree with each other, that we have the opportunity to prove the strength of our relationships. This is not always easy. But it is precisely in times like these that grace, understanding, and friendship are most needed, both for our community and the world which we will all soon enter as attorneys.
Above the doors of our school are carved the words, “That those alone may be servants of the law who labor with learning, courage, and devotion to preserve liberty and promote justice.” We hope that liberty, justice, and peace come as quickly as possible to all Israelis and Palestinians. And we hope that you, our dear readers and friends, will rely on the kindness and support of our community, which we are all so lucky to be part of.