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
San Jose High Schoolers Create Human Swastika, Quote Hitler on Social Media
Eight San Jose, California high schoolers were recently suspended after a photo of them creating a “human swastika” spread online. The social media post, which also included a quote from Hitler threatening the “annihilation of the Jewish race,” caused widespread concern in the community and led to a student walkout at the high school in support of Jewish students. The superintendent for the Campbell Union High School District described the incident as “hate violence,” saying, “We are committed to using this incident as an opportunity to deepen education around antisemitism.”
HIGA 2025 Celebrates Jewish Joy and Resilience
The 2025 Hillel International Global Assembly (HIGA) brought together over 1,100 professionals in Boston to celebrate Jewish joy, belonging, and resilience on campus. The opening plenary featured powerful “Leadership in Action” stories from Hillel professionals, remarks from CNN’s Van Jones and former White House speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz, music from Nefesh Mountain, and a set from comedian Alex Edelman.
Jewish Students Harassed at DePaul University a Year After Physical Assault
Two Jewish students at DePaul University continue to face threats of violence and doxxing, including “Wanted” posters printed with their names and faces, a year after being physically attacked by masked individuals on campus. While their attacker took a plea deal, the students are pursuing a civil lawsuit against the university for failing to keep them safe.
University of Houston Jewish, Muslim, and Bahá’í Students Unite for Multifaith Dinner
A multifaith dinner at the University of Houston brought together Jewish, Bahá’í, and Muslim students for shared food, honest conversation, and bridge-building. The program, supported by an Interfaith Outreach Grant from Hillel International, allowed students to have conversations in a relaxed setting to better understand each others’ identities and religious practice.
Pomona College Reaches Settlement
Following a federal investigation, Pomona College reached a settlement with Hillel International, the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The agreement includes significant campus reforms, including adopting the IHRA framework for defining antisemitism, prohibiting masked protests, and strengthening time, place, and manner rules for demonstrations.
UC Berkeley, Pomona College Settle Antisemitism Allegations
UC Berkeley and Pomona College have reached settlement agreements with Jewish groups and individuals who filed complaints about how the schools handled incidents of antisemitism stemming from anti-Israel protests in 2023 and 2024. As part of the deal, Berkeley is paying $60,000 to an Israeli professor who says she was not rehired due to her nationality, despite teaching a successful class. The university also issued a formal apology to the professor and said she has been invited back to teach the same class in the future. Separately, Pomona College agreed to hire a Title VI civil rights coordinator and create a task force on Jewish life and antisemitism on campus.