Stony Brook University Hillel celebrated Jewish American Heritage Month with its third annual Big Jewish Block Party. The event featured a falafel food truck, inflatables, and a mini shuk (market), fostering community conversation and appreciation for Jewish culture and traditions among students and faculty.

Hope Donovan, a senior at Western Michigan University (WMU), describes how she discovered belonging and purpose through her involvement with Hillel. After transferring from a small Jesuit college to WMU, she embraced her Jewish identity by leading events like a Halloween-themed Shabbat and creating art that honored her Jewish heritage. As president of WMU Hillel, Donovan advocated for Jewish students and found the confidence to express her identity on campus and in her artwork. Hope’s story is part of the ‘Dear Hillel’ series written by graduating Jewish college seniors.

Jewish students in Hillel’s global network outside of North America explore their Jewish identities and find belonging and connection in their Hillel communities. Events such as the Hillel Global Social in London bring together students from multiple countries to build relationships through shared traditions and interests. These programs highlight Hillel’s focus on empowering students to build Jewish life through meaningful, real-world experiences and connection.

Tessa Veksler, former student body president at UC Santa Barbara and UCSB Hillel leader, faced antisemitic harassment after speaking out against the October 7th Hamas attack. She responded by launching the viral hashtag #We’reNotGoingAnywhere, documenting the hate she received and galvanizing support. Veksler now works in strategic communications, speaks nationwide, and is running for a seat on the World Zionist Congress, all while continuing to advocate for Jewish college students and Israel on a global stage.

Lauren Robbins, a third-year public relations student at the University of Florida (UF), shares her journey of embracing her Jewish identity, from childhood experiences to active involvement in UF Hillel’s leadership programs. Her participation in initiatives like Spread Cream Cheese Not Hate (SCCNH) — a program that Lauren will chair next year as a senior — has strengthened her commitment to combating antisemitism and fostering community on campus.

Maryville University Hillel in St. Louis marked its 10th anniversary, highlighting a decade of fostering Jewish life on campus. Signature events include Shabbat dinners, the annual Holocaust survivor speaker series, which draws over 450 attendees, monthly challah bakes that welcome students from all kinds of Jewish backgrounds, and interfaith initiatives such as “Souper Sunday”, held in conjunction with the Muslim Student Association.