Days Without Hate is a community service project that began in 1997 in response to the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yizhak Rabin.

It is a week of tolerance programming with a focus on coexistence. It has grown into an annual event that unites the entire Rutgers community. The event is comprised of a series of activities with the goals of promoting love and tolerance and diminishing hate. This year's Days Without Hate, its 10^th anniversary, took place Nov. 5-8.

On Nov. 5, Rutgers Hillel partnered with the Center for African Studies in its program Beyond Genocide, focusing on overcoming the current situation in Sudan and pushing for education and programs for Sudanese youth. With over 100 in attendance, speaker Abraham Awolich touched the audience with his harrowing story and impressed everyone with his education initiative.

On Nov. 6, Rutgers Sexual Assault Services and SCREAM Theater joined with Rutgers Hillel for a program entitled Dating Violence- A New Take. After a phenomenal performance by SCREAM, an expert spoke about the prevalence of dating violence on college campuses and in all kinds of relationships, both hetero- and homosexual.

On Nov. 7, Rutgers' Office of Disability Services partnered with Rutgers Hillel to run program entitled Perspectives on Disability, a program that focused on the challenges that disabled students face. After viewing the 10 commandments on how to treat the disabled, a student panel described their experiences and struggles with being disabled. All in attendance were moved by the evening and the creation of a dialogue on this issue which will hopefully spark more in the future.

On Nov. 8, Rutgers Hillel held a concluding rally at the College Avenue Dining Hall to bring the event to a close. Students spoke about leaders who had worked for peace, such as Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa and Yitzhak Rabin. The rally also included acapella performances by two of Rutgers' co-ed groups, Orphan Sporks and Deep Treble. Over 75 people came out on what was a very cold evening to support change and show the importance of Days Without Hate.

This event, one of Hillel's largest, was also one that worked to create ties with other organizations. With over 20 co-sponsors, Rutgers Hillel has made significant progress in its effort to transform the campus community into one that unites for, and makes a priority of, social justice.

Throughout the Days program, Rutgers Hillel also had tables on all campuses with over 500 students signing a petition not to hate; and sold hundreds of Save Darfur bracelets; had a Bone Marrow Registration Drive and a Blood Drive which registered over 35 students and collected blood from over 30 and spread an unquantifiable awareness of hatred and a plea for tolerance.

By stressing tolerance, the focus turns from difference to similarity, all the while inspiring peace and coexistence. Hopefully the success of Days Without Hate will create a more tolerant community all year long.