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
Canadian Hillels Boost Mental Health Services for Jewish College Students
Hillels across Canada are expanding counseling, peer-support circles, and wellness programming to help Jewish students manage heightened stress, anxiety, and safety concerns linked to increased antisemitism on campus. Staff are partnering with mental health professionals and offering more one-on-one support, group sessions, and resilience-building programs so students can access care while staying engaged in Jewish campus life.
Houston Hillel Connects Students with “Shabuddies” Program
Houston Hillel’s Shabbudies program at the University of Houston brings students together on Friday afternoons to “a warm, low-pressure space… where students can unwind, grab a snack, do something creative and ease into Shabbat in a way that feels accessible and genuinely restful.” The experience offers an alternative to commuter students and others who have difficulty attending traditional Shabbat dinners on campus – and provides a new way to deepen connections with Houston’s Jewish community.
Israeli Basketball Star Yarden Garzon Finds a Home at Maryland Hillel
Israeli basketball player Yarden Garzon plays for the Maryland Terrapins while balancing campus life and keeping in touch with her family in Israel, including her twin sister. While the distance has taken an emotional toll, Yarden leans on Maryland Hillel for support and connection.
Columbia University Rejects Three Anti-Israel Divestment Proposals
Columbia University rejected three anti-Israel divestment proposals submitted by students, faculty, and staff. The university’s Advisory Committee on Socially Responsible Investing said the proposals, submitted in December 2024, were too broad, impractical, or lacked sufficient consensus. The committee noted it rejected similar divestment efforts earlier this year.
UCL Reopens Investigation Into Student Who Allegedly Justified October 7th Attacks
University College London (UCL) reopened an investigation into a student who reportedly told a Jewish peer that the October 7, 2023 attacks were “justified and reasonable,” and that “Hamas is not a terrorist organization.” Initially, UCL declined to take disciplinary action, citing freedom of speech policy, but reversed course and apologized after media coverage and pressure.
Federal Judge Rules White House Cannot Cut UC Funding
A U.S. district court judge blocked the federal government from cutting funding to or fining the University of California system over accusations of antisemitism. Judge Rita Lin said the administration’s actions were “coercive” and “in violation of the First Amendment and Tenth Amendment.”