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
Seven Out of Nine Universities Reject White House “Compact” Funding Proposal
The White House proposed a deal known as the “Compact” to 10 top U.S. universities, offering preferential federal funding in exchange for policy changes — such as capping international student enrollment and banning consideration of race or gender in admissions. The plan has been rejected by eight of the 10 institutions offered this deal, including Brown University, MIT, and Dartmouth, all of whom cited concerns about academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and merit-based research funding.
Masked Anti-Zionist Protestors Disrupt October 7th Memorial at Pomona College
Masked protesters disrupted an October 7th memorial event at Pomona College, entering a closed lecture hall room through an emergency exit and shouting “Zionists not welcome.”. Pomona College President Gabrielle Starr and Vice President Avis Hinkson said the college is investigating the incident. Claremont Hillel added that it is working with the Pomona administration to prevent such incidents and ensure that Hillel events remain “a safe and welcoming space for Jewish life on campus.”
Israel Responds to Hamas Attack that Kills Two Soldiers, Wounds Three
Two Israeli soldiers — Major Yaniv Kula, 26, and Staff Sergeant Itay Yavetz, 21 — were killed and three others wounded in an attack by a Hamas cell that emerged from a tunnel in the eastern Rafah area of the Gaza Strip, threatening the current ceasefire agreement. In retaliation, the IDF launched a wave of strikes across southern and central Gaza targeting a major tunnel network used by Hamas.
Bodies of Five Deceased Hostages Returned to Israel
In accordance with phase one of the ongoing hostage release and ceasefire agreement, Hamas released the bodies of five additional deceased hostages: Eitan Levy, Tamir Nimrodi, Uriel Baruch, Muhammad Al-Atresh, and Inbar Hayman, the last female hostage being held. In response to the delays in deceased hostage releases, Israel has postponed the reopening of the Rafah Crossing.
Campus Hillels Create Space for Grief, Celebration, and Community This Sukkot
Hillels around the world celebrated Sukkot, which overlapped with the two-year anniversary of October 7th, by turning the festival into an opportunity for celebration and reflections. Many campuses offered dual programming, ensuring students had festive Sukkot events like “Sushi in the Sukkah” as well as October 7th remembrance programs. This allowed students to enjoy the holiday while also giving them a space to reflect and grieve.
Israeli Artist Showcases Artwork at Rutgers Hillel Gallery
Israeli artist and Rutgers alum Peter Moshe Shamah recently exhibited his work at Rutgers Hillel’s Karmazin Gallery, exploring themes of Jewish identity and resilience. His exhibitions, including “Jewish Past/Jewish Future” and “From Darkness, the Embers of Hope,” used mixed-media collage to reflect on Jewish history, culture, and trauma. Shamah’s work aims to inspire hope and action, emphasizing the importance of preserving Jewish heritage and fostering community connections.