SHP Responds to the Gaza Conflict

In recent years, the Israel-Palestine conflict has become a controversial topic, and it is affecting educational institutions around the world, including Sacred Heart.
As a part of SHP’s response to the crisis, Mr. Richard Dioli, Director of Schools, has sent out multiple emails. One email was sent out this semester on October 6, the day before the anniversary of the Hamas attack in Gaza, “encourag[ing] all members of our Sacred Heart family to observe this particular somber anniversary with prayers for peace.” The school administration has also hosted campus-wide prayer services, including one held directly after Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023. In addition, the student body has also addressed the issue, with the Current Events Club hosting a presentation on November 13. The presentation focused on the facts and the history behind the wars in the region.
According to history and social science teacher, Mr. Ben Hunter, currently Israel and Palestinian history is “not a part of the curriculum.” However, Hunter believes that we should “make an effort to incorporate the subject” into the school curriculum. Hunter added that there was “an effort at making a teach-in” where students could learn more about the conflict and its history, but this “teach in” never came to fruition.
However, while curriculum changes have not been successfully implemented, Dr. Kate Middleton, Director of Mission and Culture, and Mr. Reid Particelli, Director of Service Learning, explained that the Office of Mission, Culture, and Strategy (OMCS) has been “train[ing] [teachers] in restorative practices” in order to safely discuss this sensitive topic with the student body.
Middleton stated that the religious studies department, particularly the Introduction to Religious Studies and the World Religion courses, are working on “build[ing] awareness in talking about holy land, [and] what it means for Jewish people, and what Jerusalem means for Muslim people.” These two courses are mandatory for freshmen, assuring that all students will receive a basic understanding of the religious implications.
Middleton also mentioned that as a continuation of the November 13 Current Events meeting, the Middle East and North African Affinity Space (MENA), the Jewish Student Union, and the Current Events Club are planning to collaborate in a “student-led series, looking at the history [of the conflict], and looking at how it is affecting us.” This is scheduled to begin after winter break. According to MENA’s co-leader Nadia Aref ‘27, the series is going to focus on the “history completely and explain how it connects to the war right now.”
Sacred Heart’s response to the conflict has been largely centered around community reflection and participation, because as Mr. Particelli said, “the most important are the voices in our community.”