Latest News from Campus

Students at Claremont Hillel and Hillel at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) observed International Holocaust Remembrance Day by hearing directly from Holocaust survivors. Organizers highlighted that these firsthand accounts help students connect to history, build empathy, and reinforce the responsibility to confront antisemitism when they encounter it.

In a recent joint op-ed, the leaders of Hillel International, Jewish Federations of North America, and Repair the World highlight the growing role of Jewish volunteer service as a meaningful way to address challenges together, dismantle prejudice, and cultivate empathy. For Jewish students, they write, service can become a spiritual grounding, providing a pathway to hope and healing amid campus dynamics that can isolate and marginalize them.

Jewish students at The Ohio State University Hillel students took part in a trip to Poland, where they visited Holocaust memorials and historic Jewish sites that highlighted both the tragedy of the Holocaust and the endurance of Jewish life. The experience encouraged students to reflect deeply on Jewish history, resilience, and personal identity, leaving many with a stronger connection to their heritage.

Over 350 Jewish college students and campus professionals from more than 25 colleges and universities across Canada took part in a national Shabbaton in Toronto, the first event of its kind in nearly two decades. Powered by Hillel Ontario, the weekend brought together students for a national convergence focused on prayer, learning, and community building with the goal of strengthening Jewish identity and joy, and fostering lifelong connections.

Students, campus organizations, and advocacy groups are hosting dialogues, and cultural events to strengthen historic ties between Black, Jewish, and Black and Jewish communities. This series of initiatives includes a partnership with Hillel International, Blue Square Alliance, and UNCF to bring thousands of college students together across the country to break bread, rebuild historical bonds, and work together to fight all forms of hate.

Jewish students traveled to Israel with Hillel JUC on a long-awaited Birthright Israel trip, where they deepened their connection to Jewish heritage through cultural and historical experiences and interactions with Israelis their age. Since returning, participants say they feel more connected to their identity and are eager to share what they learned with their campus communities.