Brown University Celebrates 130 Years of Jewish Life on Campus
University of Maryland Student Government Passes Symbolic Resolution Calling to Ban IDF Soldiers from Campus
University of Wyoming Investigates Second Recent Antisemitic Incident
Editorial in The Harvard Crimson Suggests That it’s Okay to “Let Go of Zionist Friends”
In a recent opinion piece, a Harvard student published advice in the student newspaper, The Harvard Crimson, suggesting it is acceptable to end friendships with peers solely because they identify as “Zionists.” In response, The Crimson received dozens of letters to the editors rebutting the idea that it is okay to shun other students because of their faith, religious beliefs, or connection to the Jewish state. One of the responses was written by the Executive Committee of the Harvard Chaplains, who said that they are “profoundly troubled by any normalization of shunning or socially ostracizing individuals or groups based on their religious identity.”
Cornell Agrees to Pay $60 Million Settlement to Unfreeze Federal Funds
Houston Hillel Board Members Join Weekly Student Gathering
Hillel International Hosts Israel Leadership Network Shabbaton
Body of Slain Hostage Returned, Identified as Tanzanian National Joshua Loitu Mollel
Claremont Hillel to Open First Dedicated Hillel Building in Spring of 2026
Cornell University Graduate Student Union Advances BDS Resolution
Israel Responds to Hamas Attack that Kills Two Soldiers, Wounds Three
Two Israeli soldiers — Major Yaniv Kula, 26, and Staff Sergeant Itay Yavetz, 21 — were killed and three others wounded in an attack by a Hamas cell that emerged from a tunnel in the eastern Rafah area of the Gaza Strip, threatening the current ceasefire agreement. In retaliation, the IDF launched a wave of strikes across southern and central Gaza targeting a major tunnel network used by Hamas.
Bodies of Five Deceased Hostages Returned to Israel
In accordance with phase one of the ongoing hostage release and ceasefire agreement, Hamas released the bodies of five additional deceased hostages: Eitan Levy, Tamir Nimrodi, Uriel Baruch, Muhammad Al-Atresh, and Inbar Hayman, the last female hostage being held. In response to the delays in deceased hostage releases, Israel has postponed the reopening of the Rafah Crossing.
Campus Hillels Create Space for Grief, Celebration, and Community This Sukkot
Hillels around the world celebrated Sukkot, which overlapped with the two-year anniversary of October 7th, by turning the festival into an opportunity for celebration and reflections. Many campuses offered dual programming, ensuring students had festive Sukkot events like “Sushi in the Sukkah” as well as October 7th remembrance programs. This allowed students to enjoy the holiday while also giving them a space to reflect and grieve.
Israeli Artist Showcases Artwork at Rutgers Hillel Gallery
Israeli artist and Rutgers alum Peter Moshe Shamah recently exhibited his work at Rutgers Hillel’s Karmazin Gallery, exploring themes of Jewish identity and resilience. His exhibitions, including “Jewish Past/Jewish Future” and “From Darkness, the Embers of Hope,” used mixed-media collage to reflect on Jewish history, culture, and trauma. Shamah’s work aims to inspire hope and action, emphasizing the importance of preserving Jewish heritage and fostering community connections.
Accused Arsonist Pleads Guilty to Firebombing Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s Home
Cody Balmer pleaded guilty to attempted murder, terrorism, and arson after firebombing the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion. The attack occurred in April 2025, during the holiday of Passover, while Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were in residence. As part of a plea deal, supported by Shapiro, Balmer was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison.
Northwestern Hillel Celebrates Release of Last 20 Living Israeli Hostages
The Northwestern Jewish community gathered in front of the school’s Hillel building to celebrate the release of the remaining 20 Israeli hostages by Hamas. Northwestern Hillel Student President Claire Connor said, “We as a people are incomplete as long as there are Jews in captivity, so today, today is an amazing day.”