Latest News from Campus

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 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.”

The University of Pennsylvania appealed a federal court order requiring it to provide the names and contact information of Jewish students and employees to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as part of an investigation into university antisemitism. The university argued the subpoena raises constitutional concerns, and asked the court to pause enforcement while the appeal proceeds. The order followed a March ruling that said the request could help identify potential witnesses to discrimination on campus.

A new study from Brandeis University found that 47% of Jewish college students reported experiencing antisemitism on campus. The survey also examined how students define antisemitism, including when criticism of Israel crosses into hostility toward Jews. Researchers said the findings reflect a broader rise in antisemitic incidents and continued challenges for Jewish students navigating campus life.

Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed’s decision to campaign with controversial public figure Hasan Piker has prompted criticism from Jewish leaders, who cite Piker’s past antisemitic statements about Israel, 9/11, and Jewish communities. Michigan State University Hillel expressed strong concern over Piker’s planned campus appearance, describing it as deeply troubling.

Vanier College in Montreal canceled a planned Holocaust commemoration event, citing safety concerns “based on information the school received.” College representatives say they intend to reschedule the program. Members of the Jewish community who were critical of the cancellation emphasized the importance of preserving opportunities for remembrance and survivor testimony. In response, the college has reaffirmed its commitment to Holocaust education and campus dialogue.