Champaign, Illinois Designates Honorary Street for Hillel Founder Rabbi Benjamin Frankel
SJP at University of Colorado Boulder Calls for Release of 2025 Boulder Terror Attack Perpetrator
Hillel Leadership Passport Connects Students to High-Impact, National Convening on Jewish Security
Maryland Hillel Holds Alternative Graduation After University Commencement Rescheduled to Shavuot
After the University of Maryland moved its primary commencement ceremony to the beginning of Shavuot, Maryland Hillel quickly organized an alternative graduation ceremony for Jewish students. The ceremony brought together more than 70 graduates and their families, and included remarks from UMD President Darryll Pines and Dean for Undergraduate Studies William Cohen. Emma Steinhause, a graduating senior, said the event “turned what could have been a really difficult moment into one of the most meaningful nights of my college experience,” adding that the swift response from the Jewish community and university leadership made her feel “truly seen and supported.”
Justice Department Files Third Lawsuit Against UCLA, Alleging Antisemitic Harassment
Suspect Arrested Following Months of Antisemitic Graffiti at San José State University
Hadar Institute Launches New Campus Rabbi Partnership with Hillel
Houston Hillel Launches Campaign To Renovate Jewish Student Center
Houston Hillel launched a $3.5 million campaign to revitalize its physical space, which serves over 650 students across more than a dozen Southeast Texas universities. The renovation will transform the center into a more flexible and welcoming hub for Jewish campus life, adding an updated kosher teaching kitchen, expanded gathering areas, and redesigned spaces for study, programming, and socializing. Leaders say the project will strengthen student engagement and Jewish life across the region for years to come.
Opinion: Hillel Ontario Responds to Rising Antisemitism with Expanded Support
In this opinion piece, Jay Solomon, chief advancement officer for Hillel Ontario, describes how Canadian Jewish communities are confronting rising antisemitism, including on college campuses. He explains that Hillel Ontario is responding by “doubling down” – investing in Jewish confidence, literacy, and joy, and empowering students to contribute “openly and proudly to university life.”
Pro-Israel Georgetown Law Commencement Speaker Replaced with Critic of Antisemitism Hearings
Georgetown University Law Center replaced its 2026 commencement speaker after former Northwestern University President Morton Schapiro withdrew in response to student backlash over his public views on Israel. The school named Georgetown Law professor David Cole as his replacement. Cole, the former national legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, previously condemned congressional hearings that explored the spike in campus antisemitism, saying they limited free speech.
Mizzou Hillel Welcomes New Executive Director
Mizzou Hillel named Scott Gerstel as its new executive director, and starting this fall, he will guide the Jewish campus organization at the University of Missouri. Gerstel brings a passion for student programming and community building, and he looks forward to “improving alumni relations and growing Columbia’s tight-knit community.”
University of Michigan Apologizes After Faculty Member’s Divisive Commencement Speech
The University of Michigan issued an apology after Faculty Senate Chair Derek Peterson praised anti-Israel student activists during a commencement speech. The university said the remarks were “hurtful and insensitive” and deviated from pre-approved comments. University President Domenico Grasso said the speech did not reflect the institution’s position and apologized for the harm caused to members of the community.
The New School in NYC Rejects Student Senate Vote to Defund Hillel
The New School administration has struck down a student government vote that sought to defund its Hillel and sever ties with Hillel International. Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International, said that “University leaders across the country have consistently affirmed Hillel’s critical role in supporting Jewish students and adding value to the overall campus community … Jewish life on campus through Hillel is not up for debate. We will continue to ensure every student has a place where they can belong and fully express their Jewish identities.”