Show Compassion For Israel, Palestinian Families: West Orange Official

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A West Orange school official is calling for the community to show compassion for all families affected by the tragic violence taking place in the Middle East – whether they are Israeli or Palestinian.

West Orange School Superintendent Hayden Moore issued the following statement on Tuesday:

“Here in West Orange, it's important for us to acknowledge that the recent attacks by Hamas on Israel have shaken us all deeply. While the geopolitical complexities surrounding these events are beyond our scope, our primary focus must remain on human loss.

“We envision a world where our children can grow, learn, and thrive without the constant threat of violence or terror. As the situation unfolds, we understand that students and staff of all backgrounds, especially Israeli and Palestinian, have loved ones in the region. They may be feeling scared, shocked and upset. Know that we are keeping you in our thoughts and we will have counseling services and staff on hand for those students that need support.

“In our roles as educators, our mission is to always provide a safe and nurturing space for all of our students to learn, grow, and flourish. We encourage respectful dialogue and fact-based instruction. We are committed to continuing this work, even in the face of unfortunate tragedies that may lie ahead. Let us be compassionate with ourselves and extend that compassion to others, for together, we can help our school community find strength and resilience in these trying times.

“I ask you, our West Orange community, to keep our commitment to peace and unity, and those lives deeply affected locally and abroad in our thoughts and prayers.”

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