UF Hillel Commemorates Three Years Since October 7th
University of Rochester Hillel Breaks Ground on New Jewish Student Center
Hillels Across North America Mark Three Years Since October 7th
Thousands of Jewish students at Hillels across North America marked three years since the October 7th attacks with vigils, exhibitions, art projects, speakers, and opportunities for reflection. At Hillel of Buffalo, students participated in a remembrance gathering and heard from Nova Festival survivor Atir Vinnikov, while University at Albany Hillel created a “Wings of Hope” art installation honoring those killed at Kfar Aza. Other Hillels, including University of Chicago, Penn State, and SLO Hillel, hosted campus-wide programs that shared the stories of those affected by October 7th and created space for students to find support and comfort.
Students Find New Perspectives on Israel Through Birthright
Hillel Rio Brings Hundreds Together for Sukkot
Op-Ed: Cultivating Lifelong Learning Through Israel Education
Hillel Centers Student Leadership Amid Rising Antisemitism
In a recent interview with the Cleveland Jewish News, Hillel International President and CEO Adam Lehman shared that Hillel is expanding leadership development and community-building programs for students as campuses continue to confront antisemitism. He said the most effective response to anti-Jewish hate is “creating opportunities for Jewish joy, purpose and meaning through… pluralistic, inclusive communities.”
UCLA Task Force Calls for Stronger Enforcement on Campus Antisemitism
A UCLA antisemitism task force released a report urging the university to strengthen disciplinary processes, clarify consequences for violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and improve enforcement of existing antidiscrimination policies. Julio Frenk, the UCLA chancellor who created the Initiative to Combat Antisemitism, said the recommendations reflect a commitment to ensuring antisemitism has no place at the university. Hillel at UCLA Executive Director Daniel Gold, a member of the task force, said “While initial work of our initiative has concluded with the release of this important report, the work of everyone else at UCLA now begins to implement these changes and uphold the commitment towards a campus free of antisemitism.”
Aasia Gabbour Builds Community for Asian-Jewish Students at NYU Hillel
Aasia Gabbour, a graduating fourth-year student at New York University, reflected on how NYU Hillel supported her in exploring her Asian-Jewish identity. She helped lead the first-ever Asian-Jewish Shabbaton at Yale University, which brought together more than 500 students from over a dozen colleges and universities to celebrate shared identity and community.
Emory Senior Sophie Kalmin Reflects on Leadership and Jewish Campus Life
Sophie Kalmin, a senior at Emory University, reflects on her college experience and her involvement in Jewish campus life through Hillel, including serving as Emory Hillel student president. She describes how leadership opportunities helped shape her sense of belonging on campus and strengthen her connection to Jewish life.
Goucher Hillel Rabbi Shares Journey to Judaism and Jewish Leadership
Rabbi Emily Howard Meyer, the rabbi-in-residence at Goucher Hillel and a spiritual leader and educator in the Washington, D.C-area Jewish community, reflects on her path to Judaism and her work guiding Jewish life through music. Howard Meyer, who converted to Judaism as an adult, now organizes religious programming across the region. She said she works to create accessible entry points into Judaism through art, music, and community engagement at Goucher Hillel.
Hillel International Student Cabinet Co-Chair Reflects on Four Years at Maryland Hillel
Einav Tsach, co-chair of the Hillel International Student Cabinet, reflects on how Hillel shaped his Jewish identity and sense of belonging at the University of Maryland, especially during the period after October 7th which was marked by increased antisemitism. He describes Jewish campus life as vibrant and rooted in shared ritual, from Shabbat gatherings to everyday moments of connection across the nearly 6,000-strong Jewish community.