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 International Launches Second Annual Sefirat HaOmer Initiative
Hillel International is marking the 49-day period between Passover and Shavuot with its second annual “Sefirat HaOmer” initiative, offering students guided reflection and daily engagement rooted in Jewish tradition. The program includes short videos t designed to make counting the Omer more accessible and personally meaningful. This year’s theme is “Belonging.”
Houston Hillel Launches Campaign To Renovate Jewish Student Center
Houston Hillel launched a $3.5 million campaign to revitalize its physical space, which serves over 650 students across more than a dozen Southeast Texas universities. The renovation will transform the center into a more flexible and welcoming hub for Jewish campus life, adding an updated kosher teaching kitchen, expanded gathering areas, and redesigned spaces for study, programming, and socializing. Leaders say the project will strengthen student engagement and Jewish life across the region for years to come.
Opinion: Hillel Ontario Responds to Rising Antisemitism with Expanded Support
In this opinion piece, Jay Solomon, chief advancement officer for Hillel Ontario, describes how Canadian Jewish communities are confronting rising antisemitism, including on college campuses. He explains that Hillel Ontario is responding by “doubling down” – investing in Jewish confidence, literacy, and joy, and empowering students to contribute “openly and proudly to university life.”
Pro-Israel Georgetown Law Commencement Speaker Replaced with Critic of Antisemitism Hearings
Georgetown University Law Center replaced its 2026 commencement speaker after former Northwestern University President Morton Schapiro withdrew in response to student backlash over his public views on Israel. The school named Georgetown Law professor David Cole as his replacement. Cole, the former national legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, previously condemned congressional hearings that explored the spike in campus antisemitism, saying they limited free speech.
Mizzou Hillel Welcomes New Executive Director
Mizzou Hillel named Scott Gerstel as its new executive director, and starting this fall, he will guide the Jewish campus organization at the University of Missouri. Gerstel brings a passion for student programming and community building, and he looks forward to “improving alumni relations and growing Columbia’s tight-knit community.”
University of Michigan Apologizes After Faculty Member’s Divisive Commencement Speech
The University of Michigan issued an apology after Faculty Senate Chair Derek Peterson praised anti-Israel student activists during a commencement speech. The university said the remarks were “hurtful and insensitive” and deviated from pre-approved comments. University President Domenico Grasso said the speech did not reflect the institution’s position and apologized for the harm caused to members of the community.