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
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.
Florida Atlantic University Jewish and Catholic Students Gather for Multi-Faith Dinner
Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach and Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) Catholic Owls group held a collaborative dinner to encourage meaningful conversations between Jewish and Catholic students at FAU about faith, culture, and community. The organizations paired games like trivia about Catholic and Jewish traditions with guided discussion, and provided a kosher taco bar for dinner.