Penn State University officials have released a statement in response to the recent vandalism of a menorah outside a fraternity:
We were saddened to learn about a report of vandalism of the menorah at the Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) fraternity house on Nov. 29. Penn State strongly condemns this act. State College police are looking into the matter.
This vandalism occurred only a month after the deadliest recorded attack of Jews on United States soil. We share in the feelings of hurt expressed by many members of our community. Today, and every day, we stand united with our Jewish friends, neighbors and colleagues. There is no place for hate in our community. Such actions violate the values to which we must commit ourselves and one another.
We will continue to do all we can to prevent such behavior and work together to promote a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all members of our Penn State family. As originally scheduled, this Sunday, Zeta Beta Tau fraternity, in partnership with the Interfraternity Council, Hillel and Chabad, will hold a community event, lighting the first candles of Hanukkah at 8 p.m. at their chapter house.
If you witness an act of intolerance on campus, you can report it anonymously by a number of avenues, including the Penn State Hotline at 800-560-1637 or hotline.psu.edu. As always, the community should feel free to stop by the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, or contact Hillel at 814-863-3816 or Chabad at 814-863-4929.