Latest News from Campus

University of Florida Hillel announced a seven‑figure gift from alumna Diane Lipson Schilit and Howard Schilit that will fund facility renovations and endowments supporting Jewish student life and programs. The Hillel will now be known as the Diane and Howard Schilit Hillel at the University of Florida. The gift comes as part of a broader campaign to strengthen Jewish community resources on campus and sustain rising engagement at a university with one of the largest Jewish student populations among public universities in the nation.

In an opinion piece, Senior Vice President of Campus Solutions at Hillel International Jon Falk describes American Jewish college students as a diverse, digitally native generation shaped by heightened security concerns and visible antisemitism. He argues that students navigate questions of identity, community, and Jewish life with both skepticism and hope. Falk frames this moment as an opportunity for students to engage deeply with their heritage while confronting antisemitism and other challenges.

Jewish students traveled to Israel with Hillel JUC on a long-awaited Birthright Israel trip, where they deepened their connection to Jewish heritage through cultural and historical experiences and interactions with Israelis their age. Since returning, participants say they feel more connected to their identity and are eager to share what they learned with their campus communities.

Yael Klucznik, GW Hillel’s Springboard Innovation Fellow, launched the program “A Taste of Judaism” at The George Washington University to introduce students to Jewish cultures and history through global food experiences. Her programming draws on her Ashkenazi and Sephardic heritage, and uses cooking and shared meals to engage students with diverse Jewish traditions on campus.

A collaboration between  The Ohio State University Hillel and Congregation Agudas Achim, supported by JewishColumbus, is creating opportunities for young Jewish adults to connect through community, social, and cultural activities and events. The initiative, called Columbus Jewish Connection, aims to help participants build relationships beyond campus – staying rooted in Jewish life and community.

Oklahoma Hillel held Hanukkah events, including a party where students prepared traditional Hanukkah foods, before and during finals week – bringing their Jewish community together for celebration, connection, and support. Participants emphasized the importance of togetherness and resilience during the holiday and busy end‑of‑semester period.