Cornell University Plans New Hillel Building to Support Jewish Life on Campus
Cornell Hillel is working towards a new building to enhance Jewish life and community on campus. The new facility, which will be the first-ever stand-alone Hillel at the Ivy League school, will provide dedicated space for religious services, cultural events, and student engagement, further supporting the needs of the university’s growing Jewish student community.
Princeton Rejects Israel Divestment Proposal
Princeton University’s Resources Committee rejected a proposal to divest from companies that conduct business with Israel. The committee’s decision came after a detailed review of the request, which was made by a group of students. The committee cited concerns over the proposal’s alignment with the university’s investment principles, emphasizing the importance of academic freedom.
Federal Task Force Cuts $400 Million in Funding to Columbia University Due to Antisemitism
The U.S. Task Force to Combat Antisemitism canceled $400 million in federal grants and contracts with Columbia University, citing the institution’s lack of response to persistent harassment of Jewish students. Columbia responded in a statement, saying: “We take Columbia’s legal obligations seriously…and are committed to combatting antisemitism and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff.”
Jewish Basketball Star Danny Wolf Eyes NBA Draft After Standout Season at Michigan
Danny Wolf, a 7-foot Jewish basketball star at the University of Michigan, is gaining attention as a potential NBA draft pick. Wolf embraces his Jewish identity on and off the court, representing Israel and winning a silver medal in the Under-20 European Championships in 2023.
Hillel Students at Emerson College Attend Screening of ‘October 8’ Documentary Following Anti-Israel Protests
Faculty at Emerson College hosted a screening of the documentary October 8 following anti-Israel protests and increased antisemitic incidents on campus. The screening provided insight into the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and its aftermath, sparking a campus-wide discussion about the connections between politics, activism, and antisemitism.
Hillel International Expands Campus Climate Initiative Amid Surge in Antisemitism
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.
San Diego Hillel Takes Action to Combat Antisemitism on Campus
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.
UCLA Suspends SJP Chapters Following Targeting of Jewish UC Regent
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.
Sharing Symbols of Jewish Resilience Across University of California Campuses
Through Hillel International’s Israel Leadership Network, a group of 30 Jewish student leaders from all eight University of California system campuses came together to simultaneously share powerful symbols of Jewish pride and resilience, including the Star of David, the menorah, and the shofar. Combining physical exhibits and a digital Unity Wall, the initiative celebrated Jewish identity, strength, and community.
Hamas Delays Planned Hostage Release
Hamas announced that it would delay the planned release of Israeli hostages, falsely citing alleged Israeli violations of the hostage-ceasefire deal. Israeli officials responded by confirming that Israel has upheld the terms of the deal, arguing that Hamas’s delay is a significant violation of the deal. Hostage families are concerned that any delay will jeopardize the release of the remaining 76 hostages, many of whom may need critical medical care.
Hillel at Central Michigan University Celebrates Third Annual Jewish Heritage Week
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.