Often, we have found that diversity has created many conflicts within the Orthodox community and American society as a whole. All to often, these mashlokeses result in harbored hostilities and resentment. Today, we learned once again that we are part of a bigger more global picture. As the Jewish people, as Yeshiva University Students, we realized we have more in common than apart. Our humanity and common mission binds us together. The true test of a people, is not what they do when life is good, but what they rise up to do when tragedy strikes. The calmness of our student body, the many who are eager to donated blood, who said Tehillim, and participated in the rally today attests to the real greatness of our school.

The character of Yeshiva University has been cultivated by the unrivaled Dr. Lamm, who has guided and taught us by way of example in how to have endurance. Superb faculty like Rabbi Blau, Dean Himber, Mr. Rosengarden, Mr. Sokel, and Avi Rossman courageously helped solidify our student body by patiently answering questions of all students and hearing their concerns. The Student leaders really came together as a team to assist the students and administration during this stressful time. Food Services rose to the occasion by successfully serving two schools unexpectedly. Security as well proved once again that our safety is their top priority. The true retaliation of the American people and that of our student body will not be determined by acts of violence but by acts friendship and concern.

Rosh Hashana is vastly approaching. We should take this opportunity to not only channel our kavana to improve ourselves for our own personal sake, rather we should improve for the sake of Israel, America and the rest of the world.

It was Charles A. Beard who said, "When it is dark enough, you can see the stars." Let us take all of our anger and grief, and route that energy to perform acts of chesed and help those in desperate need. Then we will truly shine.

May Hashem grant us all a Shana Tova B'Shalom .
Lou Shapp