UMass Amherst Student Brings Jewish Ritual Leadership Back to Campus
Hillel International and Repair the World’s Bridging Service Fellowship Returns for Second Year
New Hillel Director Looks to Build Community at Ithaca College
Hillel International Expands Shabbat Opportunities at 130+ Hillels
This fall, more than 130 Hillels will receive grants to expand Shabbat programming as part of Hillel International’s “Shabbat Surge,” a movement-wide effort to strengthen Shabbat experiences during the first six weeks of the semester. The initiative aims to bring more students together around the Shabbat table and create opportunities for connection and community. “There’s something really special about seeing students who might not otherwise cross paths sitting around the same table, laughing, talking, and creating community together,” said Ben Novorr, director of Jewish student engagement at University of Kansas Hillel.
Welcome Week Brings Jewish Students Together on Campus
Hillel International Welcomes Its 10th Student Cabinet Cohort at Annual Gathering
UC Berkeley Hillel to Celebrate 100 Years of Jewish Student Life
Miami University (Ohio) Hillel Welcomes New Director
Miami University Hillel welcomed Sarah Shmoel as its new executive director. She previously held roles at Ohio University Hillel, Cincinnati Hillel, and Tel Aviv University Hillel, along with volunteering with Miami Hillel during graduate school. Shmoel plans to focus on building a strong Jewish community and integrating Jewish life into campus culture.
Michigan St. Student Government Votes to Cancel Event With Israeli Actor
Michigan State University’s student government passed a bill calling for the cancellation of a campus event featuring an Israeli actor. MSU Hillel’s Executive Director criticized the bill as discriminatory against Israelis and Jews, calling the measure an attempt to silence Israeli and Jewish voices.
Israel Launches Ground Operation in Gaza City Seeking to Force End to Gaza War
The IDF began a ground operation in Gaza City on Tuesday, according to Israeli government officials. This follows intensified airstrikes over the last several days, with the stated goal of targeting and destroying Hamas infrastructure, and seeking to force an end to the Gaza war.
Oct. 7th Documentary Wins People’s Choice Award Following Controversy at Toronto International Film Festival
The Toronto International Film Festival briefly removed The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue, a documentary about Noam Tibon’s mission to save his family during the Oct. 7th Hamas attacks. After public pressure, the festival reinstated the film, which then won the People’s Choice Award for documentaries.
Penn Hillel Hosts Parents of Israeli-American Hostage Itay Chen z”l
Over 150 people gathered at Penn Hillel to hear Hagit and Ruby Chen, the parents of Itay Chen whose body remains in Hamas captivity, speak about their son’s capture during the October 7th attacks and their ongoing work on behalf of the remaining hostages. Penn Hillel, Chabad at Penn, and the Penn Israel Public Affairs Committee sponsored the event, and attendees received purple bracelets with Itay’s name as a symbol of solidarity.
Queens College Professor’s Virtual Lecture Interrupted by Antisemitic Slurs and Images
During a virtual lecture given by an Israeli professor at Queens College, a handful of attendees reportedly shouted antisemitic expressions including “kill all the Jews” and “go back to Auschwitz,” and displayed disturbing images on their screens. The professor and moderator restored order, removed the disruptors, and continued the lecture. Queens College denounced the incident in a public statement.