A message from the Dean, The Rev’d Dr Ellen Clark-King.
Dear all,
I am writing to you in advance of the first anniversary of 7 October, the day that saw the abductions and deaths of Israeli children, women and men and which was followed by the deaths of thousands of children, women and men in Gaza.
I know that there is nothing I can say that will speak to everyone caught up in the ongoing effects of this tragedy at King’s. People’s passions and convictions are too deeply held, and too conflictual, for one person to give voice to such a multiplicity of pain, outrage, and loss. I can only offer one very partial perspective and invite you all to take a moment to reflect on, and mourn, all the pain that we human beings inflict on one another.
My faith teaches me that each human being is unique, is of infinite value, and bears the image of God. The loss of one life to violence is one too many, and God counts in ones not in multiples, as each life is uniquely valuable. Many of us know the pain that comes through losing someone we love, and that pain can also be felt for those we do not know directly but who represent people and places we care for deeply. Both these sorts of pain are being felt by members of our community.
We know that people are dying not just in one region but across the world from warfare and from the violence that individuals and nations use against one another. On 7 October we will be holding a Vigil for Peace at midday in the Safra Lecture Theatre on Strand Campus to remember those who have died in Israel and Gaza and in all places of warfare, and to ask, in whatever way is appropriate to our faith or agnosticism, for peace. We will hear readings from the world’s holy writings, take time to stand together in silence and listen to some beautiful music.
On the early evening of 5 November we will have a chance to hear the stories of two people profoundly personally affected by the killing on 7 October and subsequent war in Gaza. Magen Inon and Hamze Awawde are Israeli and Palestinian peacebuilders who share their stories together in order to encourage dialogue across the most extreme of boundaries. Look out for more details closer to the date.
However you are feeling over these next days, whether you are closely touched by grief or anger or are more distant to these events, I ask you to show kindness to those around you. To be aware of the depth and range of pain felt by many, to respect other’s right to mourn as well as your own, and to consider how you might make the world a safer place for all.
Please use the support services available to you if you need them and we will do our upmost to help.
Our Chaplains are here for students and staff of all faiths and none for informal and confidential discussions and are experienced at talking with people who are experiencing grief and anxiety. They can be contacted at chaplaincy@kcl.ac.uk.
Support for students
A range of specialist support services are available to all our students. The Student Wellbeing team are on hand to listen and help students access the support they need.
Counselling support is also available to our students. Students can speak to the King’s Counselling & Mental Health Support Service which offers free and confidential in-person and online support as well as King’s Counselling Online service. Students may also like to connect with their peers through KCLSU.
Support for staff
Staff may also want to talk to a trusted colleague or manager, and our independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) can be contacted by phone or email.
The Rev’d Dr Ellen Clark-King
Dean of King’s College London