Sigma Alpha Mu Rallies in Support of Israel

The following message was sent by email on 10/31 to all alumni with good email addresses. Didn’t receive it? Please update your contact information at portal.sam.org or sam.org/contact.

Dear Fratres,

Following the devastating terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas earlier this month, many SAM chapters responded with efforts to remember and honor the Israelis who were killed, kidnapped, or injured and to show their solidarity with Israelis. Here are some of the initiatives our chapters have undertaken on campus:

• Mirroring the fraternity’s statement condemning the terrorist attacks and supporting Israel, chapters and their members have followed suit posting on social media. Many have also showcased their members participating in pro-Israel rallies on campus.
• Rho (Illinois) and Mu Psi (Miami OH) chapters have flown the Israel flag from their chapter houses.
• Psi (Pitt), Sigma Theta (Texas), and Sigma Chi (Maryland), to name a few, have raised more than $7,500 for American Friends of Magen David Adom.
• Our Beta Iota chapter at the University of Wisconsin received a call from a SAM alumnus who asked for solutions so his freshman daughter could feel and be safe, so the fratres responded by helping escort her to class and other places around campus. This is a great example of how our expanded SAM family comes together during challenging times.

Even as student fratres rallied support for those killed by Hamas, they have been dealing with heightened tensions and antisemitism on campuses. Students, parents, and alumni have been reaching out to the Fraternity for additional support. SAM has been responding through educational programs, using our networks and partnerships to give students the tools to navigate increased tension on campuses, and helping coordinate increased security for chapter facilities with local partners. In the past two weeks, SAM has provided the following programs, to name a few:

• A webinar titled The War in Israel and Its Impact on College Campuses, presented in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League and Alpha Epsilon Phi, Sigma Delta Tau, and Zeta Beta Tau. It ran on October 12 and drew 200+ attendees.
• A webinar titled Writing a Letter to the Editor described how to write about supporting Israel and denouncing antisemitism.
• A resource guide to prepare for the International Day of Resistance/International Day of Jihad.

These programs are in addition to Sigma Alpha Mu’s ongoing efforts to promote Jewish life on campus, support development of Jewish leaders, and combat antisemitism. Such programs include:

• Jewish Endeavor Grants – grants to undergraduate chapters/members to support Jewish life on campuses. 
• Summit Against Hate – an educational partnership with Alpha Epsilon Phi, Sigma Delta Tau, and Zeta Beta Tau to educate college professionals about antisemitism on campus and how to support students.
• Piazza Center Research – research aimed at safer and more supportive fraternity and sorority life for Jewish students.

This programming is made possible by alumni support of Sigma Alpha Mu and the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation. To learn more about any of the above programs, please visit sam.org. To learn more about the work of the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation in support of student fratres or how to get involved, please contact [email protected].

Over almost 114 years, Sigma Alpha Mu members have risen to the occasion to meet the challenges of the moment- from our refugee program that saved dozens from the Holocaust, to alumni who worked to support the birth of Israel, the many fratres who have served in the armed forces, and the alumni who have and continue to be leaders in their communities. The sons of Sigma Alpha Mu continue to rise to the moment.

Fraternally yours,

Andy Huston, Kappa ’01                                                  
Executive Director, Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity           

Aaron Girson, Delta Nu ’92
CEO, Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation

P.S.  If you would like to support the efforts of Sigma Alpha Mu, please click here and make your tax-deductible donation.