Brown University Celebrates 130 Years of Jewish Life on Campus
University of Maryland Student Government Passes Symbolic Resolution Calling to Ban IDF Soldiers from Campus
University of Wyoming Investigates Second Recent Antisemitic Incident
Editorial in The Harvard Crimson Suggests That it’s Okay to “Let Go of Zionist Friends”
In a recent opinion piece, a Harvard student published advice in the student newspaper, The Harvard Crimson, suggesting it is acceptable to end friendships with peers solely because they identify as “Zionists.” In response, The Crimson received dozens of letters to the editors rebutting the idea that it is okay to shun other students because of their faith, religious beliefs, or connection to the Jewish state. One of the responses was written by the Executive Committee of the Harvard Chaplains, who said that they are “profoundly troubled by any normalization of shunning or socially ostracizing individuals or groups based on their religious identity.”
Cornell Agrees to Pay $60 Million Settlement to Unfreeze Federal Funds
Houston Hillel Board Members Join Weekly Student Gathering
Hillel International Hosts Israel Leadership Network Shabbaton
Body of Slain Hostage Returned, Identified as Tanzanian National Joshua Loitu Mollel
Claremont Hillel to Open First Dedicated Hillel Building in Spring of 2026
Cornell University Graduate Student Union Advances BDS Resolution
University of Louisville Temporarily Suspends SJP Chapter For Violating School Policies
The University of Louisville has temporarily suspended its Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter for violating university policies during recent protests. The suspension follows a series of demonstrations, including a “Week of Rage” from October 8–11, as well as an attempt to erect a tent encampment in violation of the school’s time, place, and manner protest guidelines. The university cited multiple disruptions and non-compliance with university rules as reasons for the suspension.
Last 20 Living Hostages Released, Reunited with Families After Two Years
Crowds in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square and Jewish communities around the world celebrated as the final 20 living hostages were released by Hamas and reunited with their families after more than two years in captivity. The hostage release was part of phase one of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which also included the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, and the withdrawal of Israel troops from many parts of Gaza.
Lewis & Clark College October 7th Memorial Vandalized, Jewish Students Harassed
A memorial in honor of the Israeli hostages in Gaza on the two-year anniversary of October 7th was vandalized multiple times at Lewis & Clark College in Oregon. The display was ripped from the ground and defaced by unidentified individuals. Jewish students were also verbally harassed and threatened during the memorial. The Dean of Students released a statement condemning the incidents.
National Teachers Union Shares Map Excluding Israel
The National Education Association (NEA), the largest teachers union in the U.S., sent an email to all three million members that labeled the state of Israel as “Palestine.” The map was included with links that reportedly justified or defended the October 7th attacks. Following backlash to the email, the NEA removed some of the content from its website, admitting it did not meet their standards, but did not remove the map.
Hillels Mark Second Anniversary of October 7th with Powerful Memorials
To mark the two-year anniversary of October 7th, Hillels at hundreds of schools organized events on campus focused on memory, resilience, and community. Programs ranged from visible public displays, survivor testimonies, and communal gatherings that often integrated the traditions of Sukkot, which coincided with the date. These events provided Jewish students with a safe space as well as a strengthened sense of community on a difficult day.
Houston Hillel Kicks Off Program Empowering Students to Host Shabbat
Houston Hillel launched a 10-week Shabbat Hosting Lab program that encourages students to host Shabbat in their own homes and dorm rooms. Led by Houston Hillel Executive Director Rabbi Kenny Weiss, the program offers study sessions on core rituals, as well as practical lessons on hospitality and creating a welcoming ambiance. Each student participant hosts two Shabbat meals over the course of the program. According to Rabbi Weiss, the Shabbat Hosting Lab teaches students to create Shabbat anywhere, transforming Jewish life into something “they carry with them for the rest of their lives.”