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Responding to the crisis in Israel, Gaza and the Middle East

We’re taking action to support those affected by the ongoing war.

We are horrified at the appalling levels of civilian death, suffering and devastation, and the continued escalation of violence and war. Our thoughts are with those who have lost family members or friends, who have been taken hostage or have family or friends being held hostage, and those who have lost their homes and places of safety.

Monday 23 September 2024: an update for our community

We have observed with horror and concern the continuing and appalling devastation of the war in Gaza and the widening of conflict in the Middle East. We urge all parties to cease fire. 

Further below, we set our approach in response to the war in Gaza. We committed to sharing any progress - or challenges - we encounter, and as our semester begins, we have three key updates for our staff and students:

  • We are moving into a period of helping our scholars get to York safely. We hope our community will understand that we cannot publicly share more information at this stage, but we continue to work with individuals and their families on how we best support them in their studies here at York.
  • With purpose and determination, we have continued to fundraise over the summer to support refugee students and at-risk academics. We are grateful for a new major donation generously pledged to the Sanctuary Fund and this Fund will be a focus of York Global Giving Day in November. Preparations are also being made for the University to host the Universities of Sanctuary Network in York in December. This presents an opportunity for us to learn more about the funding others are allocating for 2025/26 onwards and working together to boost the support already in place.
  • We have requested to join HESPAL and as we shared back in May 2024, we are working with a national educational consultancy about how best to support universities and student learning in Gaza. This initially tried to establish cooperation with universities on the West Bank, so that in due course this could act as a bridge to Gaza. We feared it would be unlikely to proceed at pace until there is an enduring ceasefire, and with the recent widening of the conflict, it is proving to be a long and difficult process. The consultancy is now working to secure participation with an NGO to see what is possible; we remain ready as part of this coordinated national response.

Across our community there are strong and diverse views about the situation. 

At the onset of this crisis, the Vice-Chancellor and senior colleagues worked with our Students' Unions and took time to meet with those most directly affected by the conflict: staff and students from Palestine and Israel, and student groups and societies which are closely connected through family, friendship or community ties to Palestine and Israel.

We have remained in contact with these groups at regular points since and our aim throughout has been to ensure all members of the University community are supported as much as possible, to respond as the situation develops, and to keep our community informed.

How we're responding

In Gaza, many university buildings have been destroyed, and many academics and students have had to leave their homes. Following discussions with student groups, we have agreed to take action in four key areas.

Supporting our students and staff

Support and advice for students

Support and advice for staff

Responding to global crises

Sadly, this is one of several instances of war, conflict and humanitarian disasters affecting members of our community. Find out more about how we support our staff and students, as well as how members of our community can help.

Supporting those affected by global crises