Hillel Israel and Hillel International, with critical support from the Matanel Foundation, launched the inaugural Matanel Fellowship for Global Jewish Leadership, choosing 15 Jewish students from around the world to participate in a year-long program amid surging antisemitism on college campuses. This fellowship aims to connect Jewish people around the world and foster the fellows’ “sense of responsibility” for the global Jewish community. Manatel Fellow and Tel-Hai College student Avihu Sela said that connecting with Jewish people from around the world is “something we need right now.”

The Jewish Food Society, a nonprofit founded by New York-based chef Naama Shefi, hosted the Great Nosh Picnic on Governors Island in New York. The large-scale celebration of Jewish cuisines featured collaborations from two chefs with whom Shefi partnered, combining a number of different cultural favorites.

Hillel International’s “Ripples of Resilience” wellness grant-making initiative has supported nearly 18,000 students across 65 campuses, offering wellness grants that support mental health and community building. Programs include wellness lounges at Virginia Tech Hillel and the University at Albany Hillel, providing students with calming spaces to relax and recharge.

Hillel of Metro Detroit hosted Jewish college students for an uplifting night of community and connection at a Detroit Red Wings game. The event brought together students from Wayne State University and Oakland University – in box seats!

American University (AU) and AU Hillel announced a joint campaign to raise $7 million to provide AU Hillel with a fully renovated building including dedicated meeting and activity spaces, a student lounge, and staff offices. The initiative reflects AU’s efforts to enhance support for its Jewish community and Jewish students.

The University of Delaware Hillel launched its “Building the Jewish Future” campaign to raise $12 million for a new Jewish student center designed to serve future generations of UD students. With $8 million already pledged, the initiative reflects an unwavering commitment to support Jewish Blue Hens. Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International, praised the effort as a national model for strengthening Jewish campus life.