In response to concerns about the safety of Jewish students on campus, nearly 200 faculty members at Columbia University signed an open letter urging the administration to take stronger protective measures. The letter emphasizes the need for heightened security, especially following reports of Jewish students experiencing increased harassment and intimidation.
In response to the rise in antisemitic incidents on campuses since October 7, 2023, Hillel International is expanding its Campus Climate Initiative (CCI) to better educate college and university administrators on addressing campus antisemitism. The program includes over 100 colleges and universities and provides training opportunities for administrators to improve campus environments for Jewish students and all students.
UCLA suspended its Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Graduate Students for Justice in Palestine (GSJP) chapters in response to reports that members targeted and harassed University of California Regent Jonathan Sures. The harassment included surrounding a family member’s car, chanting threatening messages, and vandalizing the property. UCLA’s administration has initiated an investigation, with further disciplinary actions pending.
San Diego Hillel is ramping up efforts to proactively combat antisemitism at the University of California San Diego. These efforts include sponsoring the school’s annual Israel Week celebration, launching a petition to add more Jewish studies courses, and supporting Jewish students in campus leadership roles. Hillel is also collaborating with community advocacy groups to address specific antisemitic incidents.
Central Michigan University (CMU) Hillel hosted its third annual Jewish heritage week in celebration of Jewish life on campus. Planned in partnership between CMU Hillel and the university, the week included a talk from a Holocaust survivor, a campus-wide Shabbat dinner, and an Israeli cooking class.
Hillel Jewish University Center, which serves students in Pittsburgh, recently launched “Inside Israel,” a program at the University of Pittsburgh that brings together 20 college students for weekly, student-led discussions on Israel and international current events. Through engaging with materials such as podcasts, opinion articles, and news reports, participants explore diverse perspectives while strengthening their critical thinking skills and encouraging open dialogue on complex global issues.