November 8, 2023
Professor Orly Manor
Braun School of Public Health Hebrew University-Hadassah
President, the Israel Statistics and Data Science Association
On behalf of the leadership of the American Statistical Association, I write to express our immense sorrow at the loss of life due to the terrorist attacks by Hamas. Because of the criminal atrocities inflicted on them, Israelis are now enmeshed in a deadly war. Daily life for everyone, including the membership of the ISDSA, is now filled with suffering and immeasurable grief and loss. We recognize most of our statistics and data science colleagues are involved in supporting the war effort in some way and many are directly involved in combat. We hold all of you in prayer and in mind.
During this frightening time, my colleagues on the ASA Board of Directors and I support you, our friends and colleagues. ASA membership includes Israelis and many Jews who are experiencing despair and anguish. I am among the latter. (“Israel” is the middle name of my oldest child.) I hope that the war ends soon with Hamas vanquished. When that day comes, and the rebuilding starts, ASA looks forward to supporting and collaborating with our Israeli colleagues.
Sincerely,
Ronald L. Wasserstein, Executive Director
Link to the letter (PDF): Letter of support from ASA to ISDSA