Official Statement on Menorah Incident

State College, PA – November 10, 2017 – We are deeply saddened to learn about the theft of the Penn State Chabad menorah that took place on October 27. The menorah was stolen from the Chabad house and transferred to the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity house resulting in significant damage. This crime was believed to be an attack on Sigma Alpha Mu, a historically Jewish fraternity, and Chabad at Penn State.

Penn State Hillel condemns this act, which has no place on campus or in the State College community, and we stand united with our friends, neighbors and colleagues at Chabad and Sigma Alpha Mu.

For many of us, this event hits close to home. Penn State Hillel works hard to create a welcoming and thriving Jewish student community, and we will continue to work closely with the Penn State administration to maintain the safety of all the students at Penn State. Our staff and student leaders are always available for anyone interested in chatting over a cup of coffee or looking for resources on how to respond to acts of hate and anti-Semitism. Please feel free to stop by our offices at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, email us at hillel@psu.edu or give us a call at 814.863.3816.