Latest News from Campus

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.

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.

University of Florida Hillel announced a seven‑figure gift from alumna Diane Lipson Schilit and Howard Schilit that will fund facility renovations and endowments supporting Jewish student life and programs. The Hillel will now be known as the Diane and Howard Schilit Hillel at the University of Florida. The gift comes as part of a broader campaign to strengthen Jewish community resources on campus and sustain rising engagement at a university with one of the largest Jewish student populations among public universities in the nation.

In an opinion piece, Senior Vice President of Campus Solutions at Hillel International Jon Falk describes American Jewish college students as a diverse, digitally native generation shaped by heightened security concerns and visible antisemitism. He argues that students navigate questions of identity, community, and Jewish life with both skepticism and hope. Falk frames this moment as an opportunity for students to engage deeply with their heritage while confronting antisemitism and other challenges.

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.

Yael Klucznik, GW Hillel’s Springboard Innovation Fellow, launched the program “A Taste of Judaism” at The George Washington University to introduce students to Jewish cultures and history through global food experiences. Her programming draws on her Ashkenazi and Sephardic heritage, and uses cooking and shared meals to engage students with diverse Jewish traditions on campus.