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
Hillel International Hosts Israel Leadership Network Shabbaton
Students on college campuses from across the U.S. who participate in the Israel Leadership Network (ILN) gathered in Austin, Texas, for a weekend focused on defining their personal why — why Israel matters to them, why they’ve chosen to lead conversations about Israel on their campuses, and how to inspire others to do the same. The weekend included sharing best practices, exploring how to engage diverse Jewish student populations, and building concrete plans for Israel-related programming at their respective colleges and universities.
Bodies of Three Slain Hostages Returned to Israel, Including U.S. Citizen Omer Neutra
The bodies of three slain hostages were returned to Israel and identified as Asaf Hamami, Omer Neutra, and Oz Daniel. All three were IDF soldiers, and Omer Neutra was an American citizen who was born and raised on Long Island, NY, and made aliyah in 2020. Several deceased hostages remain in Gaza as phase one of the hostage release and ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues.
Cornell University Graduate Student Union Advances BDS Resolution
The Cornell University Graduate Student Union (CGSU) is pushing forward a BDS resolution that accuses Jewish students of “weaponizing antisemitism.” Jewish students say they were removed from the union’s listserv and excluded from communications about the resolution, leaving many unaware of its content and vote. Cornell University has not yet responded.
Claremont Hillel to Open First Dedicated Hillel Building in Spring of 2026
Claremont Hillel will open its new Jewish life house in the spring of 2026, providing a dedicated space for students to gather and connect at the California school for the first time. A longtime vision of Claremont Hillel Executive Director Dr. Bethany Slater, the expansion was accelerated when events following October 7th showed the increased need for a stronger community hub and physical home for Jewish life on campus.
Michigan St. Student Creates Hillel Sports Club to Bring Jewish Students Together
Shay Bednarsh, a junior at Michigan State University (MSU), founded the Hillel Sports Club to create a welcoming space for Jewish students and sports fans to come together. Centered around Detroit Lions and Michigan St. watch parties, the club’s events bring the community together over free food, card games, and shared enthusiasm. Shay hopes to see the concept expand nationally, connecting Jewish students across campuses through their shared love of sports.
Israel Orders Strikes on Hamas in Response to Ceasefire Violations
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the IDF to launch “immediate and powerful strikes” against Hamas in the Gaza Strip following recent ceasefire violations, including attacks on Israeli troops that killed one soldier, and the handling of hostages’ remains. The escalation comes amid rising Israeli anger over what officials describe as repeated breaches of the ceasefire agreement by Hamas.