UF Hillel Commemorates Three Years Since October 7th
University of Rochester Hillel Breaks Ground on New Jewish Student Center
Hillels Across North America Mark Three Years Since October 7th
Thousands of Jewish students at Hillels across North America marked three years since the October 7th attacks with vigils, exhibitions, art projects, speakers, and opportunities for reflection. At Hillel of Buffalo, students participated in a remembrance gathering and heard from Nova Festival survivor Atir Vinnikov, while University at Albany Hillel created a “Wings of Hope” art installation honoring those killed at Kfar Aza. Other Hillels, including University of Chicago, Penn State, and SLO Hillel, hosted campus-wide programs that shared the stories of those affected by October 7th and created space for students to find support and comfort.
Students Find New Perspectives on Israel Through Birthright
Hillel Rio Brings Hundreds Together for Sukkot
Op-Ed: Cultivating Lifelong Learning Through Israel Education
Bipartisan Bill Aims to Empower Students Facing Campus Antisemitism
A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives reintroduced the Protecting Students on Campus Act, legislation meant to increase education about students’ rights to file Title VI civil rights complaints and improve transparency on how colleges handle allegations of discrimination, including antisemitism.
Gunman in Bondi Beach Terror Attack Charged With 59 Offenses
Australian police charged the surviving perpetrator in the Hanukkah terror attack at Bondi Beach with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. If convicted, Naveed Akram faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. The attack on December 14 left at least 15 people dead and dozens more injured.
Fresno State University Investigates Acts of Antisemitic Vandalism
Fresno State University officials say they are investigating multiple incidents of vandalism on campus, reporting that property was defaced with antisemitic messages that have since been removed. The university’s president notified the campus community about the investigation and condemned the acts saying, “Antisemitism, harassment, intimidation, and discrimination run counter to our values and to the environment we are committed to upholding.”
Hillel’s CALL Brings Light to Jewish Students Even in Dark Times
Hillel International’s Assistant General Counsel, Ariel Katz, writes about her experience empowering Jewish students who have faced harassment or discrimination. Through CALL, the Campus Antisemitism Legal Line, a resource created in partnership with Hillel International, ADL, and the Brandeis Center, Jewish students and faculty can report incidents and access free, confidential, and expert legal support. Over the last two years, Ariel and the CALL team have assisted with over 600 incidents, helping students pursue justice and accountability. In this time of heightened antisemitism, CALL is making sure students know they don’t have to face these challenges alone.
San Francisco Hillel Arson Attack Suspect Arrested
San Francisco police arrested a suspect in connection with the December 5th arson attack that caused “significant damage” to the San Francisco Hillel building. While no injuries were reported, the fire caused the closure of the facility and the cancellation of events. Hillel staff thanked the San Francisco State University administration for their ongoing support. This is a developing story.
Brown University Students Celebrate Hanukkah In the Aftermath of Campus Shooting
Brown University Jewish students gathered for Hanukkah on the heels of two tragedies: a shooting on campus that killed two students and injured several others, and the terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia. The candle lighting at Brown doubled as a vigil for those who had been murdered only hours earlier. “The message of Hanukkah here is that we should increase the light,” said Rabbi Josh Bolton, Brown RISD Hillel’s executive director. “Even in the midst of this very dark and difficult moment, together as a community, we come together, and we give each other a little bit of light.”