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.
Three Hostages to be Released Despite Hamas Delays
Israeli officials confirmed the names of the three hostages who will be released this Saturday: Sagui Dekel Chen (36), Alexander Sasha Trufanov (29), and Iair Horn (46). The three men are the sixth set of hostages to be released under the hostage-release and temporary ceasefire deal. They were taken captive from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023.
Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader Embraces Her Jewish Identity
Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader Elana Horowitz, an alumna of the University of Maryland who was very active in Hillel, has brought Jewish joy and traditions to the Super Bowl champions.. Her deep connection to her Jewish identity helped her successfully make the Eagles cheer squad — she performed an Israeli dance during her audition. On Hanukkah, Horowitz brought the team gelt, a menorah, and dreidels, and led the squad in the shehecheyanu prayer before the NFC Championship game.
Hamas Reverses Course, Agrees to Release Three Hostages
Despite threats to delay release of Israeli hostages, Hamas has agreed to release three hostages on Saturday in accordance with the hostage-release and temporary ceasefire deal in place. According to a senior Arab diplomat, Hamas will not release a larger number of hostages than planned despite pressure from Israel and the United States.
Nearly 200 Faculty Members Call on Columbia to Ensure Safety for Jewish Students
In response to concerns about the safety of Jewish students on campus, nearly 200 faculty members at Columbia University signed an open letter urging the administration to take stronger protective measures. The letter emphasizes the need for heightened security, especially following reports of Jewish students experiencing increased harassment and intimidation.
Op/Ed: As We Recover from the LA Wildfires, It’s Our Job to Show Up
Dave Cohn, Executive Director of University of USCHillel, reflects on the aftermath of the LA wildfires and the critical role that Hillel plays for Jewish students in Los Angeles. Cohn highlights how Hillel’s efforts, such as providing essential resources, offering free mental health care, and keeping students informed with updates, have been vital to the healing process as the community rebuilds.
AJC Report Finds Majority of American Jews Changed Behaviors in Response to Antisemitism
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) released their 2024 State of Antisemitism in America Report. The report found that a majority of American Jews have altered their behavior — by avoiding certain activities and behaviors — due to fears related to high levels of antisemitism.