AJC Report Finds Majority of American Jews Changed Behaviors in Response to Antisemitism
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) released their 2024 State of Antisemitism in America Report. The report found that a majority of American Jews have altered their behavior — by avoiding certain activities and behaviors — due to fears related to high levels of antisemitism.
Hillel International Expands Campus Climate Initiative Amid Surge in Antisemitism
In response to the rise in antisemitic incidents on campuses since October 7, 2023, Hillel International is expanding its Campus Climate Initiative (CCI) to better educate college and university administrators on addressing campus antisemitism. The program includes over 100 colleges and universities and provides training opportunities for administrators to improve campus environments for Jewish students and all students.
Hamas Reverses Course, Agrees to Release Three Hostages
Despite threats to delay release of Israeli hostages, Hamas has agreed to release three hostages on Saturday in accordance with the hostage-release and temporary ceasefire deal in place. According to a senior Arab diplomat, Hamas will not release a larger number of hostages than planned despite pressure from Israel and the United States.
Sharing Symbols of Jewish Resilience Across University of California Campuses
Through Hillel International’s Israel Leadership Network, a group of 30 Jewish student leaders from all eight University of California system campuses came together to simultaneously share powerful symbols of Jewish pride and resilience, including the Star of David, the menorah, and the shofar. Combining physical exhibits and a digital Unity Wall, the initiative celebrated Jewish identity, strength, and community.
UCLA Suspends SJP Chapters Following Targeting of Jewish UC Regent
UCLA suspended its Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Graduate Students for Justice in Palestine (GSJP) chapters in response to reports that members targeted and harassed University of California Regent Jonathan Sures. The harassment included surrounding a family member’s car, chanting threatening messages, and vandalizing the property. UCLA’s administration has initiated an investigation, with further disciplinary actions pending.
Op/Ed: As We Recover from the LA Wildfires, It’s Our Job to Show Up
Dave Cohn, Executive Director of University of USCHillel, reflects on the aftermath of the LA wildfires and the critical role that Hillel plays for Jewish students in Los Angeles. Cohn highlights how Hillel’s efforts, such as providing essential resources, offering free mental health care, and keeping students informed with updates, have been vital to the healing process as the community rebuilds.
Hamas Delays Planned Hostage Release
Hamas announced that it would delay the planned release of Israeli hostages, falsely citing alleged Israeli violations of the hostage-ceasefire deal. Israeli officials responded by confirming that Israel has upheld the terms of the deal, arguing that Hamas’s delay is a significant violation of the deal. Hostage families are concerned that any delay will jeopardize the release of the remaining 76 hostages, many of whom may need critical medical care.
Hillel at Central Michigan University Celebrates Third Annual Jewish Heritage Week
Central Michigan University (CMU) Hillel hosted its third annual Jewish heritage week in celebration of Jewish life on campus. Planned in partnership between CMU Hillel and the university, the week included a talk from a Holocaust survivor, a campus-wide Shabbat dinner, and an Israeli cooking class.
Three Hostages Released from Hamas Captivity
After 491 days in captivity, three hostages who were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, have been released. Eli Sharabi (52), Or Levy (34), and Ohad Ben Ami (56), appeared frail and emaciated as they were escorted back into Israel by the IDF. Levy and Sharabi returned to learn that their family members had been murdered on October 7 — Levy’s wife and Sharabi’s wife and two daughters.
Three Male Hostages to be Released on Saturday
Israeli officials have confirmed the names of three male hostages who are set to be released on Saturday- Eli Sharabi (52), Or Levy (34), and Ohad Ben Ami (56). This announcement follows a delay from Hamas in disclosing the names of the hostages, a violation of the hostage-ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
University of Central Florida Fraternity Suspended Following Reports of Antisemitic Hazing
The University of Central Florida (UCF) has suspended fraternity Phi Gamma Delta, amid allegations of antisemitic hazing in which a student was blind-folded and forced to hold up a swastika. The fraternity’s national organization temporarily suspended the chapter and released a statement condemning the incident. UCF has the third largest population of Jewish students in the United States and has seen a rise in antisemitic incidents since October 7, 2023.
Anti-Israel Protesters Vandalize Home of Jewish University of California Regent
Anti-Israel UCLA protesters surrounded and vandalized the home of University of California Regent Jonathan Sures, who is Jewish. The group, linked to Students for Justice in Palestine, shared footage of the incident online, drawing condemnation for their harassment of the Jewish regent.