UCLA Suspends SJP Chapters Following Targeting of Jewish UC Regent
UCLA suspended its Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Graduate Students for Justice in Palestine (GSJP) chapters in response to reports that members targeted and harassed University of California Regent Jonathan Sures. The harassment included surrounding a family member’s car, chanting threatening messages, and vandalizing the property. UCLA’s administration has initiated an investigation, with further disciplinary actions pending.
Op/Ed: As We Recover from the LA Wildfires, It’s Our Job to Show Up
Dave Cohn, Executive Director of University of USCHillel, reflects on the aftermath of the LA wildfires and the critical role that Hillel plays for Jewish students in Los Angeles. Cohn highlights how Hillel’s efforts, such as providing essential resources, offering free mental health care, and keeping students informed with updates, have been vital to the healing process as the community rebuilds.
Hamas Reverses Course, Agrees to Release Three Hostages
Despite threats to delay release of Israeli hostages, Hamas has agreed to release three hostages on Saturday in accordance with the hostage-release and temporary ceasefire deal in place. According to a senior Arab diplomat, Hamas will not release a larger number of hostages than planned despite pressure from Israel and the United States.
Sharing Symbols of Jewish Resilience Across University of California Campuses
Through Hillel International’s Israel Leadership Network, a group of 30 Jewish student leaders from all eight University of California system campuses came together to simultaneously share powerful symbols of Jewish pride and resilience, including the Star of David, the menorah, and the shofar. Combining physical exhibits and a digital Unity Wall, the initiative celebrated Jewish identity, strength, and community.
AJC Report Finds Majority of American Jews Changed Behaviors in Response to Antisemitism
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) released their 2024 State of Antisemitism in America Report. The report found that a majority of American Jews have altered their behavior — by avoiding certain activities and behaviors — due to fears related to high levels of antisemitism.
Hillel International Expands Campus Climate Initiative Amid Surge in Antisemitism
In response to the rise in antisemitic incidents on campuses since October 7, 2023, Hillel International is expanding its Campus Climate Initiative (CCI) to better educate college and university administrators on addressing campus antisemitism. The program includes over 100 colleges and universities and provides training opportunities for administrators to improve campus environments for Jewish students and all students.
Hillel JUC of Pittsburgh’s “Inside Israel” Program Offers Innovative Approach to Israel Education
Hillel Jewish University Center, which serves students in Pittsburgh, recently launched “Inside Israel,” a program at the University of Pittsburgh that brings together 20 college students for weekly, student-led discussions on Israel and international current events. Through engaging with materials such as podcasts, opinion articles, and news reports, participants explore diverse perspectives while strengthening their critical thinking skills and encouraging open dialogue on complex global issues.
Hillel International Campus Climate Initiative to Combat Antisemitism Expands to More Than 100 Schools
Hillel International launched the sixth cohort of its Campus Climate Initiative (CCI), which includes more than 100 colleges and universities nationwide. The groundbreaking Campus Climate Initiative program is designed to equip campus administrators with a comprehensive strategy to combat antisemitism and foster a campus environment where Jewish students can confidently express their identity.
UNLV Partners with Hillel International to Combat Antisemitism and Support Jewish Students
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is one of 18 colleges and universities to join the sixth cohort of Hillel International’s Campus Climate Initiative (CCI) to address antisemitism on campus and support Jewish students. The partnership aims to equip administrators with strategies to create a safer and more inclusive environment for Jewish students and all students.
Education Department Launches Investigation into Antisemitism at Five Universities
The U.S. Department of Education launched investigations into five universities — Columbia University, Northwestern University, University of California, Berkeley, the University of Minnesota, and Portland State University — following reports of widespread antisemitic harassment on those campuses. These investigations come amidst the largest spike in antisemitism on college campuses on record.. The announcement comes one week after the White House issued an executive order calling for stronger action against antisemitism on college campuses.
University of Michigan Suspends Campus SJP Chapter For Violations of University Conduct Policies
The University of Michigan suspended its chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), known at Michigan as Students Allied for Freedom and Equality (SAFE), for two years in response to repeated violations of school policies. The suspension follows allegations that the group broke university rules regarding harassment and student safety during protests and rallies, including an unauthorized protest at the home of a university regent.
Bipartisan Commission to Study Rising Campus Antisemitism
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights will investigate antisemitism on college campuses and provide recommendations to Congress on effective strategies to address the issue. A recent study from Hillel International and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) shows that over 83% of college students say they have either witnessed or experienced antisemitism on campus since October 7, 2023.