Latest News from Campus

Former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt explains why she recently chose not to teach at Columbia University, citing its lack of response to antisemitism following October 7. In this op-ed, she criticizes the university for failing to protect Jewish students and denounces the hostile campus environment that has developed in its aftermath.

An anti-Israel protest in Brooklyn’s Orthodox Jewish Boro Park neighborhood escalated as protestors chanted antisemitic rhetoric, including “Settlers, go back home” and “Zionists go to hell.” Protestors and counter-protestors clashed in physical confrontations, prompting police intervention and at least one arrest. New York political leaders condemned the protest, citing concerns over the antisemitic rhetoric.

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.

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.

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.

San Diego Hillel is ramping up efforts to proactively combat antisemitism at the University of California San Diego. These efforts include sponsoring the school’s annual Israel Week celebration, launching a petition to add more Jewish studies courses, and supporting Jewish students in campus leadership roles. Hillel is also collaborating with community advocacy groups to address specific antisemitic incidents.