Cornell Grad Student Union Passes BDS Referendum
Canadian Hillels Boost Mental Health Services for Jewish College Students
Northwestern Will Pay $75 Million to Federal Government to End Antisemitism Investigation
Northwestern University agreed to pay the federal government $75 million over three years to restore nearly $790 million in frozen federal research funds and end a government antisemitism investigation. The university also agreed to strengthen protections for Jewish students, review international admissions, and provide training on campus norms.
UCL Reopens Investigation Into Student Who Allegedly Justified October 7th Attacks
Columbia University Rejects Three Anti-Israel Divestment Proposals
Israeli Basketball Star Yarden Garzon Finds a Home at Maryland Hillel
Houston Hillel Board Members Join Weekly Student Gathering
Houston Hillel board members recently visited the weekly student lunch at University of Houston Hillel’s student lounge. The visit aimed to strengthen the connection between Houston Hillel’s lay leaders and students, offering firsthand insight into campus life.
Hillel International Hosts Israel Leadership Network Shabbaton
Students on college campuses from across the U.S. who participate in the Israel Leadership Network (ILN) gathered in Austin, Texas, for a weekend focused on defining their personal why — why Israel matters to them, why they’ve chosen to lead conversations about Israel on their campuses, and how to inspire others to do the same. The weekend included sharing best practices, exploring how to engage diverse Jewish student populations, and building concrete plans for Israel-related programming at their respective colleges and universities.
Bodies of Three Slain Hostages Returned to Israel, Including U.S. Citizen Omer Neutra
The bodies of three slain hostages were returned to Israel and identified as Asaf Hamami, Omer Neutra, and Oz Daniel. All three were IDF soldiers, and Omer Neutra was an American citizen who was born and raised on Long Island, NY, and made aliyah in 2020. Several deceased hostages remain in Gaza as phase one of the hostage release and ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues.
Cornell University Graduate Student Union Advances BDS Resolution
The Cornell University Graduate Student Union (CGSU) is pushing forward a BDS resolution that accuses Jewish students of “weaponizing antisemitism.” Jewish students say they were removed from the union’s listserv and excluded from communications about the resolution, leaving many unaware of its content and vote. Cornell University has not yet responded.
Claremont Hillel to Open First Dedicated Hillel Building in Spring of 2026
Claremont Hillel will open its new Jewish life house in the spring of 2026, providing a dedicated space for students to gather and connect at the California school for the first time. A longtime vision of Claremont Hillel Executive Director Dr. Bethany Slater, the expansion was accelerated when events following October 7th showed the increased need for a stronger community hub and physical home for Jewish life on campus.
Michigan St. Student Creates Hillel Sports Club to Bring Jewish Students Together
Shay Bednarsh, a junior at Michigan State University (MSU), founded the Hillel Sports Club to create a welcoming space for Jewish students and sports fans to come together. Centered around Detroit Lions and Michigan St. watch parties, the club’s events bring the community together over free food, card games, and shared enthusiasm. Shay hopes to see the concept expand nationally, connecting Jewish students across campuses through their shared love of sports.