Hillel of Metro Detroit hosted Jewish college students for an uplifting night of community and connection at a Detroit Red Wings game. The event brought together students from Wayne State University and Oakland University – in box seats!
Abi Schcolnik, a senior at the University of Miami and outgoing co-chair of the Hillel International Student Cabinet, shared how she helped grow the Jewish community on campus. During her time on campus, Abi expanded Shabbat dinners, collaborated with university administrators to combat antisemitism, and empowered other Jewish students to lead with pride and purpose.
Jacob Miller, a 2025 graduate of Harvard University, served as both president of Harvard Hillel and chair of The Crimson’s Editorial Board. In his recent op-ed, Miller recounted the challenges he faced following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, including feelings of isolation due to campus incidents and antisemitism. Despite these difficulties, he chose to lead The Crimson’s editorial board, emphasizing the importance of engaging with differing perspectives to foster understanding and connection.
Families of the 58 hostages who remain in Hamas captivity marked 600 days since October 7th at a press conference in Tel Aviv. Leah Goldin, mother of fallen soldier Hadar Goldin, said the issue had grown from a personal tragedy to a national crisis: “Now there are 58 more Hadar Goldins in Gaza.”
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights opened a Title VI investigation into Cal Poly Humboldt following allegations of antisemitic harassment on campus. The complaint cites incidents where Jewish students were subjected to verbal and physical abuse, including being doused with fake blood, targeted with antisemitic slurs, and told to hide their identities. University officials reportedly advised Jewish students to leave public spaces rather than addressing the harassment. Cal Poly Humboldt stated it is reviewing the complaint and will fully cooperate with the investigation.
American University (AU) and AU Hillel announced a joint campaign to raise $7 million to provide AU Hillel with a fully renovated building including dedicated meeting and activity spaces, a student lounge, and staff offices. The initiative reflects AU’s efforts to enhance support for its Jewish community and Jewish students.
Dartmouth College’s Advisory Committee on Investor Responsibility unanimously voted against a divestment proposal that targeted companies supplying arms to Israel. The anti-Israel measure failed all five of the College’s criteria for “completeness,” disqualifying it from further consideration.
Israeli singer Yuval Raphael secured second place at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, with her song “New Day Will Rise.” A survivor of the Nova music festival massacre, Raphael won the public vote with 297 points but placed 14th in the jury vote, resulting in a second place overall finish.
University of Michigan Hillel, in collaboration with the Jewish Communal Leadership Program (JCLP) and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor, unveiled a new art installation celebrating Jewish resilience. Renowned visual artist Hillel Smith led a community art session, guiding participants in creating a piece that reflects the strength and unity of the Jewish community amid challenges. The installation, now a permanent fixture at Michigan Hillel, serves as a lasting tribute to the community’s enduring spirit.
University of Wisconsin Hillel’s LaunchPad initiative pairs University of Wisconsin-Madison students with professionals in fields like STEM, law, business, and marketing. Launched by undergraduates and now supported by Hillel staff, the program has expanded from one mentor-mentee pair to 45 pairs, with plans to grow to 150.
Hillel at Brandeis and Brandeis University announced a major initiative to renovate Kutz Hall into a 28,000-square-foot Center for Jewish Life — the first-ever stand-alone building for Brandeis Hillel. This new facility will feature gathering spaces, a café, a beit midrash (dedicated space for Torah study), and areas for Shabbat and holiday celebrations. The project is part of a $25 million campaign to grow and strengthen Jewish life at Brandeis.
NYU withheld the diploma of a student commencement speaker after he allegedly lied to university leaders, and gave a speech in which he falsely accused Israel and the United States of committing genocide in Gaza. University officials said that the student submitted a different version of his speech and knowingly misled administrators. The university said the student violated speech approval rules and is considering further disciplinary action.