On May 8, 2024, University of Baltimore President Kurt L. Schmoke issued the following statement to the UBalt community regarding a number of conflicts, including the one taking place in Israel:
"As we approach graduation day, usually a time of great celebration, I recognize that our joy is tempered by those in our community who are touched directly or indirectly by the wars raging in Ukraine, Israel/Gaza, and Sudan. I am sure that we are united in our hopes and prayers for the end of hostilities in those regions and others. My contributions to humanitarian assistance efforts have been through donations to Doctors Without Borders.
"In an attempt to understand why it is so difficult to achieve a resolution to these conflicts, I reached out to members of our faculty with expertise on issues of peace and war. Noteworthy are some comments I received from Prof. Sascha Sheehan, associate dean in the College of Public Affairs and a specialist in U.S. foreign policy, national security, and international relations:
"'Many contemporary global disputes are at their root complicated social and communal conflicts with long histories. A defining attribute of these protracted conflicts is found within deeply divided communities that lack opportunities for relationship building and mechanisms for peaceful coexistence.'
"'Some conflicts appear intransigent over the course of generations because they involve deeply rooted problems that are incredibly difficult to resolve. Others involve material and emotional needs that have gone unaddressed, or the belief that seemingly incompatible interests cannot be achieved simultaneously.'
"'These differences are real. But throughout history, the great peacemakers have understood that differences need not lead to hostilities or violence.'
"It may be that within long-standing confrontations, a path to peace can be found through recognition, shared goals, and empathy. At our institution, we teach these things. We challenge our students to break through assumptions, unpack misconceptions, and start from the beginning. Together, we're in search of a way forward. And we don't pretend to have all the answers.'
"The modern world appears to be bogged down in crisis. In times like these, we should be asking questions—with civility, and with respect.
"'I am personally inspired by great teachers who ask more questions than they answer,' Prof. Sheehan says. 'It is by wrestling with difficult questions and engaging students and the public in dialogue that discovery, progress, and understanding can result.'
"I agree. Let's work toward peace together."
On Oct. 10, 2023, President Schmoke issued the following statement to the UBalt community regarding the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel:
"The level of violence sparked by Hamas' unjustified attack on Israel is horrible and heartbreaking. No one should exult in what has developed there. I strongly support the statement of President Biden and our European allies in condemnation of the terror which the world has witnessed. As many of you may know, ties between the UBalt community and the State of Israel are strong and longstanding both on an institutional and personal basis. We have operated academic programs in Haifa and Jerusalem, and many in our community have relatives and close friends in Israel.
"My personal relationship goes back many years. I was a backpacking student on my first visit, staying in a youth hostel named for a resident of Baltimore. Later, as an elected official, I traveled there to learn about community development programs which served as a model for efforts undertaken in Baltimore to uplift underserved communities. The density of peoples of disparate backgrounds and clashing perspectives makes the prospect of peace in that part of the world incredibly difficult. But we must continue to try.
"In recent years, the University has also welcomed colleagues with ties to Palestinian communities. They too must ache at the sight of increasing civilian casualties in this conflict. Hopefully, world leaders will understand that this is not the time for political debate. The urgency is to stop the conflict now. Many are searching for ways to assist the victims of this violence. In addition to support through the International Committee of the Red Cross, consider engaging with our neighbor, The Associated Jewish Federation of Baltimore. In the UK, Medical Aid for Palestinians is a noteworthy source.
"What I hope our community can do at this difficult moment is to be an advocate for peace, solace, and understanding. May we join together in service to that end."