Latest News from Campus

Students, campus organizations, and advocacy groups are hosting dialogues, and cultural events to strengthen historic ties between Black, Jewish, and Black and Jewish communities. This series of initiatives includes a partnership with Hillel International, Blue Square Alliance, and UNCF to bring thousands of college students together across the country to break bread, rebuild historical bonds, and work together to fight all forms of hate.

Jewish students traveled to Israel with Hillel JUC on a long-awaited Birthright Israel trip, where they deepened their connection to Jewish heritage through cultural and historical experiences and interactions with Israelis their age. Since returning, participants say they feel more connected to their identity and are eager to share what they learned with their campus communities.

Yael Klucznik, GW Hillel’s Springboard Innovation Fellow, launched the program “A Taste of Judaism” at The George Washington University to introduce students to Jewish cultures and history through global food experiences. Her programming draws on her Ashkenazi and Sephardic heritage, and uses cooking and shared meals to engage students with diverse Jewish traditions on campus.

A collaboration between  The Ohio State University Hillel and Congregation Agudas Achim, supported by JewishColumbus, is creating opportunities for young Jewish adults to connect through community, social, and cultural activities and events. The initiative, called Columbus Jewish Connection, aims to help participants build relationships beyond campus – staying rooted in Jewish life and community.

Hillel International’s Assistant General Counsel, Ariel Katz, writes about her experience empowering Jewish students who have faced harassment or discrimination. Through CALL, the Campus Antisemitism Legal Line, a resource created in partnership with Hillel International, ADL, and the Brandeis Center, Jewish students and faculty can report incidents and access free, confidential, and expert legal support. Over the last two years, Ariel and the CALL team have assisted with over 600 incidents, helping students pursue justice and accountability. In this time of heightened antisemitism, CALL is making sure students know they don’t have to face these challenges alone.

A multifaith dinner at the University of Houston brought together Jewish, Bahá’í, and Muslim students for shared food, honest conversation, and bridge-building. The program, supported by an Interfaith Outreach Grant from Hillel International, allowed students to have conversations in a relaxed setting to better understand each others’ identities and religious practice.