A Message of Solidarity with Jewish Graduate Students

The University of Saskatchewan Graduate Students’ Association stands with Jewish graduate students and members of the Jewish community following the vandalism at Congregation Agudas Israel during Shabbat services. When a place of worship is targeted, the effects extend beyond the building and can leave members of the community feeling vulnerable, isolated, or unsafe. Antisemitism, religious intimidation, and acts that undermine a community’s sense of safety have no place on our campus or in Saskatoon.

To the Graduate Student Community,

On behalf of the Graduate Students’ Association, we express our concern following the vandalism at Congregation Agudas Israel while members of the community were gathered for Shabbat services.

We hold Jewish graduate students, faculty, staff, their families, and the broader Jewish community in our thoughts. Regardless of the legal determination of motive, vandalism at a place of worship can cause fear and distress far beyond its walls. Everyone deserves to practise their faith, gather in community, and participate in university life without feeling threatened or isolated.

We recognize that graduate students may experience this incident in different ways. Some may belong to the congregation or have personal connections to those affected. Others may be far from family and familiar faith communities, making moments of fear or uncertainty especially isolating. These experiences can affect well-being, concentration, research, teaching, and a person’s sense of belonging.

Jewish identity must not be treated as interchangeable with the actions or policies of any government. Political disagreement never justifies antisemitism, collective blame, harassment, or the targeting of Jewish people and institutions.

The GSA joins the USask Faith Leaders in renewing our commitment to mutual understanding, religious inclusion, respectful dialogue, and a university community in which no one lives in fear because of their faith or identity.

Support for Graduate Students

  • USask Faith Leaders: Faith leaders offer spiritual guidance, compassionate listening, and connections with faith communities. Visit USask Faith Leaders.

  • Student Assistance Program: Eligible graduate students and their family members can access confidential mental health and wellness support 24/7 through Dialogue. Consultations are available in multiple languages and can be completed virtually. Visit the Student Assistance Program and use access code FALL26SAP4. For one-hour, in-person appointments, call Dialogue’s bilingual Call Centre at 1-855-853-0565.

  • Student Wellness Centre: Call 306-966-5768 for counselling, medical care, and wellness support.

  • Peer Health: Informal peer support is available through the USask Community Centre in Marquis Hall.

  • Urgent assistance: Call Saskatoon Mobile Crisis at 306-933-6200, call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency.

We encourage graduate students to check on Jewish friends and colleagues with care, without expecting them to explain the incident or speak on behalf of an entire community. Listening, respecting boundaries, and offering practical support are meaningful acts of solidarity.

To Jewish graduate students: you are valued members of our community. You are not alone. The GSA cares about your safety and well-being, and we stand with you.

—GSA Executive