August 6, 2020
We write with great sorrow regarding the explosion in Beirut this week that has taken the lives of more than 135 people, injured thousands of others, and rendered many, many homeless. We know we speak on behalf of the entire NYU Abu Dhabi leadership team and community when we say how deeply saddened we are by this tragedy.
Many in our community have deep and longstanding ties to Lebanon and its people and to Lebanese citizens in the UAE. We have reached out to students, faculty, and staff who are of Lebanese citizenship or who are in Lebanon, and have provided them with much of the information included below. In the press of time we may well not have reached all, and if you are aware of peers or colleagues who have not received word from us, or who need support, please let us know at vc@nyu.edu.
Students who may be grieving and need to speak with someone can access 24/7 counseling services through the Wellness Exchange (+971-02-628-5555) or by contacting the NYUAD Health Center (+971-02-628-8100) or nyuad.healthcenter@nyu.edu to schedule an appointment. Faculty and staff can access the Employee Well-Being Program (EWP), a well-being and health advisory support service that offers counseling for emotional and psychological support to all NYUAD employees and their family members. LightHouse Arabia is also offering a free-of-charge crisis debriefing for faculty and staff who have been directly, or indirectly, impacted by the devastating explosion in Beirut.
To those members of our community who have been impacted by this tragedy, rest assured you are not alone as you mourn and work to overcome this devastation. We appreciate the many community members who are doing their parts to support relief efforts underway.
Collectively and individually, we offer our profound sympathy and support. Our thoughts are with all those affected during this difficult time.
Mariët, Fabio, Kyle, and Peter
