Latest News from Campus
Opinion: Banning TikTok Strikes Blow Against Online Antisemitism
Times of Israel — Jan. 15, 2025
Eric Fingerhut, President and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, reframes the debate over the TikTok ban to focus on a critical issue at stake: the platform's role in spreading antisemitism. Fingerhut supports the bill’s passage and warns that TikTok's algorithm amplifies harmful content, fueling discrimination and hate speech against Jewish people.
Lehigh University Takes Steps to Confront Campus Antisemitism Following Federal Investigation
Cleveland Jewish News — Jan. 14, 2025
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) recently announced that Lehigh University, a private school in Pennsylvania, has agreed to take action on allegations of antisemitic harassment. The university will implement new measures to ensure a safer environment for Jewish students, marking a step toward tackling hate and bias on campus.
Israel and Hamas Agree to Hostage Release Deal and Ceasefire
Times of Israel — Jan. 17, 2025
After over 15 months since the October 7 attack, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a hostage and ceasefire deal, which includes the release of hostages held by Hamas, a phased withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from the Gaza strip, and the return of displaced Gazan civilians. The deal is set to take effect on Sunday, and will include the release of 33 Israeli hostages in several stages over the coming weeks.
Op/Ed: Student Engagement at Hillel Ontario Since Oct. 7 has Skyrocketed — How Do We Sustain It?
eJewishPhilanthropy — Jan. 16, 2025
Hillel Ontario witnessed a 40% surge in student participation in programs and activities in the aftermath of October 7 and is expecting further growth in the new academic year. An upcoming challenge for Jewish organizations who have experienced similar growth will be how to sustain it in a post-10/7 world, writes Hillel Ontario Chief Advancement Officer Jay Solomon.
Federal Government Says University of California Schools Must Take Steps Against Antisemitism
DeseretNews — Jan. 15, 2025
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is directing University of California (UC) schools to take stronger action against antisemitic behavior and harassment targeting Jewish students. Complaints of such incidents have been reported across the UC campuses, including UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, and UC San Diego. The Office of Civil Rights is requiring that the UC schools investigate reports of antisemitism and take action through policy revisions and staff training to comply with Title VI regulations.
Amid Rising Antisemitism, Hamilton College Adds Jewish Studies Minor on Campus
JNS — Jan. 14, 2025
Hamilton College, a highly regarded private arts college in New York where Jewish students comprise 8% of the student body, recently announced the addition of a new minor for students in Jewish Studies. The addition of the Jewish studies minor comes during a time of rising antisemitism on college campuses, and with studies showing a decline in the knowledge of Jewish history and the Holocaust among younger Americans.
More News to Know
NBC News — Jan. 8, 2025
Israeli Troops Recover Body of Hostage in Gaza, Confirm Son Also Killed
The body of Youssef Ziyadne, an Israeli Bedouin taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, has been found in a tunnel in Gaza, along with evidence suggesting his son may also have been killed. Two other children of Ziyadne were released in an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners that took place in November 2023.
JTA — Jan. 7, 2025
U.S. Dept. of Education Announces Investigation into Antisemitism at Sarah Lawrence College in Response to Hillels of Westchester Lawsuit
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights has opened an investigation into antisemitism at Sarah Lawrence College in response to a complaint filed by Hillels of Westchester that alleges Jewish students have been harassed and intimidated at the New York college both before and after October 7, causing some Jewish students to transfer schools.
Hillel International — Jan. 6, 2025
A Dose of Jewish Joy: Hillel Students Around the World Put Their Spin on Celebrating Hanukkah
Just before Winter Break, Jewish students at hundreds of college campuses came together at their Hillels to celebrate the Festival of Lights in some fun and creative ways. From ugly sweater decorating to making their own Hanukkah candles to latke-eating contests, students had plenty of opportunities to rejoice and connect with one another.
NBC News — Jan. 2, 2025
Palestinian Authority Temporarily Suspends Al Jazeera TV
The Palestinian Authority has suspended Qatari state-owned media outlet Al Jazeera in the West Bank until further notice following concerns over the network's coverage of unrest between Palestinian security forces and militant fighters. The Palestinian Authority accuses the Qatari network of inciting strife and biased reporting. Al Jazeera has also been banned in Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.
Haaretz — Dec. 30, 2024
Campus Anti-Israel Protests Declined by 60% in Fall Semester
Since September, campus anti-Israel protests have drawn just a fraction of the numbers compared to last spring. As many universites have started to enforce their codes of conduct, the number of protests has dropped from 3,200 last spring, to 1,100 this past fall.
Jewish Insider — Dec. 26, 2024
How Israel and the U.S. are Facing the Houthis in Yemen
The Houthis, who control much of Yemen, have launched over 300 projectiles at Israel since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks last year, most of which either did not reach Israel or were intercepted. Israeli and U.S. officials continue to discuss the best approach to counter the Houthis' growing influence and threat.