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
University of Maryland Student Government Passes Symbolic Resolution Calling to Ban IDF Soldiers from Campus
The University of Maryland’s student government cast a symbolic vote to bar former Israel Defense Forces soldiers from speaking on campus, claiming their presence undermines the university’s values of safety and inclusion. Ari Israel, executive director of Maryland Hillel, responded that, “We proudly support bringing IDF soldiers to campus and connecting students with Israel, our ancestral Jewish homeland,” adding that the resolution “fosters hate and division rather than the open exchange of ideas that should define our university.” A university of Maryland official said that the symbolic vote will have “no bearing on university policy or practice.”
University of Wyoming Investigates Second Recent Antisemitic Incident
The University of Wyoming is investigating incidents on campus where pumpkins and a “free speech ball” carved with antisemitic and violent messages, including phrases like “Kill Jews” and Nazi symbols, were placed on campus. University officials removed the display and are reviewing the incidents as potential discrimination or harassment.
Cornell Agrees to Pay $60 Million Settlement to Unfreeze Federal Funds
Cornell University agreed to a $60 million settlement with the White House in order to restore access to more than $250 million in frozen federal funding. As part of the agreement, Cornell will pay $20 million per year for the next three years, and conduct a campus climate survey to ensure Jewish students’ safety, among other remedies.
Body of Slain Hostage Returned, Identified as Tanzanian National Joshua Loitu Mollel
The IDF confirmed that the body of 21-year-old Tanzanian agricultural intern Joshua Loitu Mollel, who was kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7th attacks at Kibbutz Nahal Oz, was returned to Israel this week. Mollel had arrived in Israel just weeks before the attack to participate in an agricultural training program. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said that although he was not an Israeli citizen, “we feel like one of our own is back.”
University of Maryland Student Government Votes to Ban IDF Soldiers from Speaking on Campus
The University of Maryland student government voted 25-0 to pass two non-binding resolutions, including one that seeks to prohibit members of the Israel Defense Forces from speaking on campus. The resolution came after an event on campus that featured former IDF soldiers. Student government resolutions do not impact campus policy unless approved by the university.
Houston Hillel Board Members Join Weekly Student Gathering
Houston Hillel board members recently visited the weekly student lunch at University of Houston Hillel’s student lounge. The visit aimed to strengthen the connection between Houston Hillel’s lay leaders and students, offering firsthand insight into campus life.