Eight University of Michigan Anti-Israel Activists Indicted on Counts of Vandalism and Threats
Expanding Jewish Campus Engagement Beyond The “Coffee Date”
Jewish College Students Build Global Connections Through Hillel’s Birthright Trips
Each year, thousands of Jewish college students participate in Birthright Israel trips with their campus Hillels, connecting with peers and Jewish communities around the world. University of Kansas Hillel recently completed its Birthright Israel trip, where students traveled from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, visited historical and modern sites, and took part in hands-on volunteering while meeting and learning alongside other Jewish students.
University of Arizona Student Reflects on Hillel International Internship
Unity Dinners Connect Black and Jewish College Students Across U.S. Campuses
Hillel International Expands Israel Education Initiatives to Support College Students
Maryland Hillel Holds Alternative Graduation After University Commencement Rescheduled to Shavuot
After the University of Maryland moved its primary commencement ceremony to the beginning of Shavuot, Maryland Hillel quickly organized an alternative graduation ceremony for Jewish students. The ceremony brought together more than 70 graduates and their families, and included remarks from UMD President Darryll Pines and Dean for Undergraduate Studies William Cohen. Emma Steinhause, a graduating senior, said the event “turned what could have been a really difficult moment into one of the most meaningful nights of my college experience,” adding that the swift response from the Jewish community and university leadership made her feel “truly seen and supported.”
Santa Barbara Hillel to Honor Jewish Community Leaders at Annual Hall of Fame Celebration
Santa Barbara Hillel will recognize community leaders Rabbi Evan and Lori Goodman, Lindsay and Joe Pasternack, and alumnus Richard Leib, during its 23rd annual Hall of Fame Brunch. The event will bring together students, alumni, and community members to celebrate individuals whose leadership and service have strengthened Jewish student life at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), Santa Barbara City College, and the wider Santa Barbara Jewish community.
Maryland Hillel Hosts Graduation Ceremony After Commencement Falls on Shavuot
Maryland Hillel organized a graduation ceremony for more than 70 Jewish seniors and their families after the University of Maryland postponed commencement to the first night of Shavuot. In a matter of hours, Hillel staff organized a ceremony with a processional, music, speeches, and name readings. Across the country, Hillels also hosted Jewish baccalaureates, L’Chaim celebrations, and other commencement events for graduating seniors at campuses including Duke University, the University of Florida, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Justice Department Files Third Lawsuit Against UCLA, Alleging Antisemitic Harassment
The U.S. Justice Department filed a third lawsuit against UCLA alleging the university has shown it is “deliberately indifferent” to antisemitic harassment of Jewish and Israeli students following the October 7, 2023 attacks and subsequent campus protests. The suit focuses on incidents tied to a 2024 anti-Israel encampment and alleges the university failed to adequately respond to reports of harassment. In response, UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk cited actions the university has taken to confront antisemitism this past year, saying, “The suggestion that UCLA has been passive in the face of antisemitism is simply wrong.”
Suspect Arrested Following Months of Antisemitic Graffiti at San José State University
Police arrested a suspect connected to a months-long series of antisemitic and racist graffiti incidents at San José State University. The messages targeted Jewish, Muslim, Black, and Asian students and included threats of violence, swastikas, and references to terrorism. University officials say the investigation involved campus police, local law enforcement, and the FBI. The suspect faces counts of felony vandalism, felony publishing threats, and potential hate crime enhancements.
Hadar Institute Launches New Campus Rabbi Partnership with Hillel
Three Hadar Institute rabbis will begin work at Rutgers University, New York University, and UMass Amherst starting this summer as part of a campus expansion initiative. The rabbis, who will be embedded with campus Hillels, will engage in leading Jewish learning, prayer, and student programming. Hadar says the partnership aims to deepen pluralistic Jewish life and increase access to Torah learning for Jewish college students of all observance levels.