Latest News from Campus

The Brooklyn Nets made NBA history with back-to-back first-round picks when they drafted Israeli point guard Ben Saraf at number 26 and Yale University and University of Michigan center Danny Wolf number 27.The Nets selections instantly doubled the number of Jewish players in the league, with Saraf and Wolf joining Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings) and Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers). Both Saraf and Wolf embrace their Jewish heritage and see their careers as an opportunity to challenge stereotypes.

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.

Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli who was held hostage by Hamas since October 7, 2023, was released in May 2025 and returned home to Tenafly, New Jersey this past weekend. He was greeted by hundreds of supporters lining the streets to welcome him back with signs and chants. His homecoming was celebrated by New Jersey leaders from across the political spectrum, including U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.

Hundreds gathered in Boulder, Colorado on June 8 for the weekly “Run for Their Lives” walk to show solidarity with the hostages held by Hamas, just one week after a firebombing attack injured 12 participants of the same program. This event spotlighted the 55 hostages still held in Gaza, with personal testimonies from their families. In an event that usually only draws about a dozen people, this record turnout included Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper among the hundreds of attendees.

Trinity College named Rabbi Bonnie Margulis as the new Director of Hillel and Jewish Life on campus. With decades of experience as a teacher, mentor, and rabbi, she brings a deep passion for working with young people to the role. Rabbi Margulis says she hopes to “bring back the joy of Judaism” while ensuring Jewish students feel safe and happy on campus.