Cornell University Plans New Hillel Building to Support Jewish Life on Campus
Cornell Hillel is working towards a new building to enhance Jewish life and community on campus. The new facility, which will be the first-ever stand-alone Hillel at the Ivy League school, will provide dedicated space for religious services, cultural events, and student engagement, further supporting the needs of the university’s growing Jewish student community.
Princeton Rejects Israel Divestment Proposal
Princeton University’s Resources Committee rejected a proposal to divest from companies that conduct business with Israel. The committee’s decision came after a detailed review of the request, which was made by a group of students. The committee cited concerns over the proposal’s alignment with the university’s investment principles, emphasizing the importance of academic freedom.
Federal Task Force Cuts $400 Million in Funding to Columbia University Due to Antisemitism
The U.S. Task Force to Combat Antisemitism canceled $400 million in federal grants and contracts with Columbia University, citing the institution’s lack of response to persistent harassment of Jewish students. Columbia responded in a statement, saying: “We take Columbia’s legal obligations seriously…and are committed to combatting antisemitism and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff.”
Jewish Basketball Star Danny Wolf Eyes NBA Draft After Standout Season at Michigan
Danny Wolf, a 7-foot Jewish basketball star at the University of Michigan, is gaining attention as a potential NBA draft pick. Wolf embraces his Jewish identity on and off the court, representing Israel and winning a silver medal in the Under-20 European Championships in 2023.
Hillel Students at Emerson College Attend Screening of ‘October 8’ Documentary Following Anti-Israel Protests
Faculty at Emerson College hosted a screening of the documentary October 8 following anti-Israel protests and increased antisemitic incidents on campus. The screening provided insight into the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and its aftermath, sparking a campus-wide discussion about the connections between politics, activism, and antisemitism.
Michigan Tech Hillel Celebrates Jewish Life with Shabbat Dinners and Community Building
Jewish life at Michigan Technological University is experiencing a revival through Michigan State University Hillel’s regular Shabbat gatherings which offer students a strong sense of community and tradition. With a small but growing Jewish presence on campus, these efforts create an inclusive space for students to connect, celebrate their heritage, and deepen their Jewish identity. In addition to Shabbat dinners, upcoming initiatives include challah-baking lessons, a Passover seder, and a campus-wide event featuring a Holocaust survivor.
Antisemitic Rhetoric Fuels Clashes at Anti-Israel Protest in Brooklyn Jewish Neighborhood
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.
Israel Confirms Identity of Four Murdered Hostages to be Returned: Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, Oded Lifshitz
Israeli officials confirmed that the bodies of Shiri Bibas (32) and her two young children, Ariel (5) and Kfir (2), along with 84-year-old journalist and peace activist Oded Lifshitz, will be returned to Israel tomorrow after being held captive for over 500 days. The Bibas family and Lifshitz were abducted from their homes in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023. Yarden Bibas, the father and husband, was released earlier this month after nearly 500 days in captivity. Their families have been notified, and the nation mourns their heartbreaking loss.
Six Hostages To Be Released on Saturday
Israel confirmed that six hostages will be released on Saturday as part of the initial phase of the ongoing hostage release and temporary ceasefire agreement. The group includes Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who have been held captive by Hamas since 2014 and 2015, respectively. Also among the hostages to be released are Tal Shoham, abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri, and three men — Omer Shem-Tov, Omer Wenkert, and Eliya Cohen — who were taken captive at the Nova music festival on October 7.
Families of Hostages Mark 500 Days Since October 7
On the 500th day since October 7, 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel and took hundreds of Israelis hostage, a number of families of current and former hostages rallied across Israel with supporters, organizing fasts and protests to demand the release of the remaining 70 hostages. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum organized a 500-minute fast and roadblocks across the country, as families voiced their anguish and called for action.
Three Hostages Released
After 498 days in captivity, three hostages who were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, have been released and safely escorted back into Israel. Sagui Dekel Chen (36), Alexander Sasha Trufanov (29), and Iair Horn (46) reunited with their families on Saturday, with Dekel Chen meeting his infant daughter for the first time.