Latest News from Campus

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.

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.

Jewish Life at Duke, the university’s Hillel, received the 2024-2025 Duke Presidential Award for significant contributions to the campus community. Hillel’s “Antisemitism 101” training for faculty and staff was a standout initiative, recognized for its impact in creating a more inclusive campus.

George Mason University (GMU) has officially opened “The Mason Mensch”, the only kosher restaurant in Northern Virginia. A partnership between George Mason Hillel and Chabad at GMU, the restaurant’s opening marks a significant step towards making kosher food available to students and the wider Northern Virginia Jewish community.

Just before Winter Break, Jewish students at hundreds of college campuses came together at their Hillels to celebrate the Festival of Lights in some fun and creative ways.

Growing up, Skylar Strudwick had never lit Shabbat candles or celebrated Hanukkah. But that all changed when she discovered her Jewish identity after finding her grandmother’s diary two years ago. Through Minnesota Hillel, Skylar learned about the beauty of Jewish traditions, community, and resilience – especially during her first Hanukkah!