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.

Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader Elana Horowitz, an alumna of the University of Maryland who was very active in Hillel, has brought Jewish joy and traditions to the Super Bowl champions.. Her deep connection to her Jewish identity helped her successfully make the Eagles cheer squad — she performed an Israeli dance during her audition. On Hanukkah, Horowitz brought the team gelt, a menorah, and dreidels, and led the squad in the shehecheyanu prayer before the NFC Championship game.

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.

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.

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.

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.