The impact of October 7 and its aftermath didn’t stop at the borders of Israel and Gaza. It echoed across the world and, it settled into the daily lives of students here at the University of Illinois. By this time last fall, Jews and Muslims alike found themselves caught up in a conflict they never chose – and one could not escape.
So with tensions rising on campus, University of Illinois student journalists spoke with members of our community most impacted by the crisis. During interviews at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, Illini Hillel, the Central Illinois Mosque and the University YMCA, speakers were granted anonymity to express themselves freely.
With reflections on a shared vulnerability, growing frustrations and the strength found in community and faith, here’s chapter 5 of Fallout: Shared Pain, Divided Loyalties.
This series was produced and edited by University of Illinois Journalism Professor Charles “Stretch” Ledford. Interviews were conducted by U of I Journalism students Elizabeth Kelly and Faith Lee.