Latest News from Campus

The University of Louisville has temporarily suspended its Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter for violating university policies during recent protests. The suspension follows a series of demonstrations, including a “Week of Rage” from October 8–11, as well as an attempt to erect a tent encampment in violation of the school’s time, place, and manner protest guidelines. The university cited multiple disruptions and non-compliance with university rules as reasons for the suspension.

A memorial in honor of the Israeli hostages in Gaza on the two-year anniversary of October 7th was vandalized multiple times at Lewis & Clark College in Oregon. The display was ripped from the ground and defaced by unidentified individuals. Jewish students were also verbally harassed and threatened during the memorial. The Dean of Students released a statement condemning the incidents.

To mark the two-year anniversary of October 7th, Hillels at hundreds of schools organized events on campus focused on memory, resilience, and community. Programs ranged from visible public displays, survivor testimonies, and communal gatherings that often integrated the traditions of Sukkot, which coincided with the date. These events provided Jewish students with a safe space as well as a strengthened sense of community on a difficult day.

Houston Hillel launched a 10-week Shabbat Hosting Lab program that encourages students to host Shabbat in their own homes and dorm rooms. Led by Houston Hillel Executive Director Rabbi Kenny Weiss, the program offers study sessions on core rituals, as well as practical lessons on hospitality and creating a welcoming ambiance. Each student participant hosts two Shabbat meals over the course of the program. According to Rabbi Weiss, the Shabbat Hosting Lab teaches students to create Shabbat anywhere, transforming Jewish life into something “they carry with them for the rest of their lives.”

Oregon Hillel and Ducks for Israel hosted a candlelight vigil to mark the two-year anniversary of the October 7th attacks. The event featured prayers, poems, readings of hostage names, and powerful personal reflections from students who recently visited the October 7th sites in Israel. Students emphasized that despite the rising antisemitism on campus, communal events like this remain critically important for rebuilding the community and bringing hope.

Stanford Hillel and Israel Association hosted a “Rally for Hostages” to commemorate the two-year anniversary of October 7th, honoring victims and the 48 hostages still held. The event featured prayers, Hebrew songs, and personal reflections, including from a student who recently visited Israel.