A terrible terrorist attack occurred today in Jerusalem when a terrorist entered a yeshiva called Mercaz HaRav and killed eight students, wounding seven with three in serious condition. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families and to all the students and staff of the yeshiva.

Additionally, rockets fired from Gaza continued to hit houses in the southern town of Sderot, wounding four today.

Today's unfortunate events undoubtedly affect our community, and it is in times like these when members of the community join together in solidarity. Whatever we may each think about the situation in Israel today, we hope that we can all agree that Israel's safety and security is vital to the Jewish people.

We will be holding a vigil tonight that will include a speaker from Jerusalem, song, prayer (English and Hebrew), and most importantly, a space to express our emotions, thoughts, and concerns.

When: 10:30pm tonight (Thursday, March 6th)

Where: 5th floor, Hillel (606 W. 115th Street, b/t Broadway and Riverside, across from Schapiro)

For more information or for any thoughts, suggestions, or questions, please e-mail Emily Steinberger, Columbia/Barnard Hillel president at eas2142@columbia.edu.