Latest News from Campus

Touro University announced a new institute focused on combating antisemitism in higher education through research, trainings and other convenings, and policy initiatives. Their multi-pronged approach will include work with professors at universities nationwide, as well as leaders across academia, policy, law, media, and business to develop new strategies, study existing laws, and investigate the impact of antisemitism so discourse is grounded in evidence. “We believe that lasting change requires working on multiple fronts simultaneously, because antisemitism is not a single problem with a single solution,” said Touro University President Dr. Alan Kadish.

A federal judge granted the University of Pennsylvania’s request to temporarily halt enforcement of an earlier ruling that required the school to comply with an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission subpoena tied to a federal antisemitism investigation. The subpoena sought detailed information about Jewish students and faculty on campus as part of the probe. The decision pauses the requirement while appeals proceed, extending a legal dispute over privacy, discrimination investigations, and federal authority.

Noah Scholl, an engagement associate at Hillel at The George Washington University plays a central role in student outreach by building one-on-one relationships and helping students find meaning in Jewish life on campus. A recent college graduate, Scholl leads programs and gatherings designed to make Jewish spaces more accessible, including social events like challah making and trivia nights, and mentorship-style conversations with students. He focuses on creating community through consistent engagement and helping students deepen their Jewish identity and sense of belonging at Hillel.

In a new op-ed, Hillel International Senior Vice President for Campus Solutions Jon Falk argues that, two years after the explosion of encampments on university campuses, antisemitism has persisted – often migrating online even as some campuses are less visibly chaotic. “What has emerged over the past two years is more diffuse, more ideologically embedded, and in some ways harder to confront than a tent city on the quad,” he writes. Falk calls for universities to embrace a comprehensive institutional response that goes beyond enforcing rules and improving security to protect Jewish students and help them flourish with joy, confidence, and belonging.

The Ohio State University Hillel will mark its 100th anniversary with a large-scale celebration at Ohio Stadium this week, bringing together Jewish students, alumni, and community members. “We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone event at the most iconic location on Ohio State’s campus – the Shoe,” said OSU Hillel CEO Naomi Lamb. “It is a celebration of 100 years of vibrant, thriving, inclusive and safe Jewish life at Ohio State.” In addition to recognizing accomplishments over the last century, the program will preview future goals for Jewish life on campus.

The UCLA Undergraduate Students Association Council passed a resolution condemning a campus event organized in part by UCLA Hillel featuring Omer Shem Tov, a former Israeli hostage who spoke about his captivity in Gaza and his experiences during those 500+ days. UCLA Hillel leadership responded to the resolution, saying it mischaracterized the event and undermined opportunities for student engagement and learning. A UCLA spokesperson noted, “The event’s message was one of resilience and respect for human rights and dignity — a message we support. We stand by UCLA Hillel, UCLA Y&S Nazarian Center for Israel Studies and the UCLA Chapter of Students Supporting Israel’s invitation to have this very important dialogue.”