On Oct. 10, 2023, University of Baltimore President Kurt L. Schmoke issued the following statement to the UBalt community regarding the recent violence 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."