Dear President Riley and Downstate Administration,

We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the email invitation sent out to official Downstate student lists titled “PHR Panel: Medical Catastrophe in Gaza on Thursday 12/7”. The event has since been postponed, scheduled to take place in the near future, and timing is particularly troubling given the recent surge in antisemitism on college campuses.

The Anti-Defamation League reports a disturbing 400% increase in anti-Semitic incidents following the October 7 Hamas attacks. Incidents at institutions such as Cornell, Columbia, and many others, where Jewish students have faced violent threats and physical assaults, are stark reminders of the growing unease in our academic environments.

The event's focus on what is described as "medical apartheid,” without a balanced and comprehensive context, will deepen campus divisions on an already sensitive and complex issue. Such a portrayal, especially against the backdrop of the recent horrific events of October 7th, and resulting increased tensions, will exacerbate feelings of alienation and insecurity among Jewish students and staff.

This type of event threatens the very fabric of educational harmony and mutual respect that should define our academic institutions. Specifically Downstate, which houses a very large Jewish student body and which has always prided itself in promoting an environment of tolerance and acceptance to all. It sends a disconcerting message about the administration's priorities and sensitivities towards its diverse student body.
The guest speakers of this event include Dr. A. Kayum Ahmed, PhD, who has made public antisemitic remarks accusing Jews of becoming perpetrators of violence against Palestinians. 
https://freebeacon.com/issues/victims-becoming-the-perpetrators-remarks-about-jews-at-elite-private-school-spark-outrage/
It also includes Dr. Omar Al-Dewachi, MD, PhD, who is one of the signatories of an open letter titled “Palestine and Praxis, Open Letter and Call to Action” which accuses “Jewish-Zionists” of racial supremacy. In addition, this call to action has the expressed intent of “In the classroom and on campus” committing to “pressuring our academic institutions and organizations to respect the Palestinian call for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions of Israel by instating measures that remove complicity and partnership with military, academic, and legal institutions involved in entrenching Israel’s policies.” 
https://palestineandpraxis.weebly.com/

We urge Downstate to cancel the sponsorship and scheduling of this event. It is imperative to uphold a campus environment where all students, irrespective of their background or religion, feel safe, included, and respected. While academic freedom and the exploration of global issues are crucial, they must be balanced with the need for sensitivity and inclusivity, as well as the physical and emotional safety of all students, including Jewish students. 

Furthermore, Downstate administration had already assured students in no uncertain terms that official Downstate student lists and Downstate campus rooms/ hallways wouldn’t be used for political speech, so as not to stoke tensions and promote antisemitism. 
We urge Downstate to take immediate action to address these issues, thereby maintaining its standing as a respectful and inclusive academic community.