Latest News from Campus

A California jury found David William Denton guilty of arson and vandalism for setting a mezuzah at the entrance of the Berkeley Hillel on fire earlier this year. A judge subsequently recategorized the conviction as a hate crime. “Targeting and burning a sacred religious symbol is an act that can cause harm far beyond the physical damage itself… People of every faith should be able to practice their religion and gather in their communities without fear of intimidation,” said Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson.

Sadie Meyer, a 2026 graduate of Syracuse University, University Scholar for her graduating class, and the student speaker at Syracuse University’s 2026 commencement ceremony, shared five tips for incoming first-year students. Drawing from her college experience, Meyer encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, build meaningful relationships, and connect with their campus Jewish community.

Carnegie Mellon University defended its new restrictions and disciplinary actions concerning the historic campus “The Fence” after facing criticism from advocacy groups. The administration’s new policies include permitting campus police to request valid CMU identification from anyone painting on the structure. According to CMU’s student newspaper, the university also has placed 10 students under investigation for allegedly painting anti-Israel slogans on the property. University officials say action was needed to prevent a hostile environment that “crossed the bounds of… community norms.”

Hillel International hosted its latest Virtual College Prep Series session, “Incoming FIrst Years: Know Before You Go,” where Jewish college seniors shared advice for incoming first-year students to help them navigate their first weeks of college with confidence. Panelists made recommendations on settling into dorm life, finding new friends, and connecting with their campus Jewish community from day one. Speakers also suggested practical steps such as locating classrooms in advance and proactively introducing themselves to fellow students to help ease the transition.

Maryland Hillel named longtime Executive Director Rabbi Ari Israel as its CEO, and expanded its team to support an anticipated growth in Jewish student engagement as the organization settles into its new building. “We are hoping that our new location is going to augment our participation numbers, involvement, leadership opportunities and community building,” said Israel, in an interview with Washington Jewish Week. “It’s the right opportunity for us to get the right team on board,” he added.

Reed College reached a settlement with the Anti-Defamation League and the Louis D. Brandeis Center over Title VI antisemitism complaints filed by two former students. Under the agreement, the college will update its discrimination policy to state that “targeting Jews based on their Zionist identity” constitutes discrimination, appoint a Title VI coordinator, provide antisemitism training, and hire an independent consultant to monitor compliance.