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
CUNY Hillels Transform into Social Service Hubs for Jewish Students
The City University of New York (CUNY) Hillel Hubs program is an innovative effort to redefine CUNY campus Hillels as social service hubs for students. Launched in 2022 as a partnership between Hillel and UJA-New York, the program provides funding for Hillels to hire on-site social workers and centralize crucial resources including kosher food pantries, mental health services, academic and career counseling, and cash assistance.
300 Northwestern Students Who Refused Mandatory Antisemitism Training Barred from Registering Antisemitism Training
Northwestern University blocked nearly 300 students from registering for fall classes after they refused to complete a mandatory antisemitism training module. The students criticized the training, labeling it as “offensive,” “unscholarly,” and containing “inaccurate historical information” that allegedly favored Israel. The university emphasized that while students are not required to agree with the content of the modules, which also includes a session focused on anti-Arab hate, they must “attest that they will abide by the Student Code of Conduct.”
Federal Investigation Launched into Antisemitism Allegations at California State University System
The U.S. government launched a federal investigation into allegations of antisemitism across all 22 campuses of the California State University (CSU) System. CSU released a statement confirming the investigation and pledging its full cooperation with the federal government. The university system also condemned antisemitism, emphasizing its commitment to “fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive” environment for all students and faculty.
Swastika Found Outside a Jewish Student’s Dorm at Dartmouth for Second Time in Two Weeks
A swastika was found outside of a Jewish student’s dorm room at Dartmouth College — marking the second such incident at the school in less than two weeks. In this case, the symbol was printed on a laminated sign hanging outside the student’s room. Dartmouth College President Sian Leah Beilock condemned the act, saying the college is fully supporting a local police investigation. “These acts of harassment and intimidation are in direct opposition to our policies and values,” she said.
University of Maryland SJP Chapter Plans BDS Vote on Yom Kippur
The Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter at the University of Maryland will put up a student government resolution calling for the university to boycott Israel, moving the vote from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, when many Jewish students will be unable to attend. The resolution urges the university to cut all ties with groups that support Israel, including academic partnerships and the boycott of goods and services. A university spokeswoman stressed that the vote will have no bearing on official university policy or practice.
San Diego Campuses See Rapid Increase in Student Participation with Hillel
San Diego universities are seeing record levels of Jewish student involvement in Hillel this year. At the University of California San Diego alone, nearly 600 students participated in Hillel events during the first week of classes. Karen Parry, CEO of Hillel of San Diego, credits the “strength, resilience, and fortitude” of Jewish students for sparking this shift.