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
Clemson University Launches Its First Professionally Staffed Hillel
Clemson University’s first professionally staffed Hillel will open this fall, expanding Jewish programming, support, and leadership opportunities for its growing community of Jewish students. Jewish student participation at Clemson has increased fivefold in recent years, with an estimated 500 Jewish undergraduates now on campus. “Clemson’s growing Jewish student community deserves a professionally staffed Hillel that can provide Jewish students their fuller opportunities for Jewish joy, pride, and leadership,” said Hillel International President and CEO Adam Lehman.
Hillel Ontario CEO Advocates for Stronger Jewish Campus Life Amid Antisemitism
In an opinion piece, Hillel Ontario CEO Jay Solomon examines rising antisemitism on Canadian college campuses and calls on administrators to do more to protect Jewish students. At the same time, Solomon says these students need more opportunities to explore their Jewish identities and live joyful Jewish lives on campus.
Duke University Establishes Permanent Campus Rabbi Role with $2.5 Million Endowment
Jewish Life at Duke established a $2.5 million endowment to permanently fund its full-time campus rabbi, ensuring Jewish students will have ongoing access to rabbinic leadership, pastoral care, and Jewish learning for generations to come. Rabbi Elana Friedman, who has served as Duke’s campus rabbi since 2015, said, “Every conversation, coffee chat, Shabbat meal, moment of celebration or challenge at Duke is an opportunity for students to discover meaning, purpose, awe, resilience, and hope.”
Northeastern Hillel Mourns Longtime Supporter Richard Lesser
Northeastern University honors the life of Richard Lesser, a 1957 graduate, longtime university trustee, philanthropist, and co-founder of Reebok USA, who passed away recently at age 91. Lesser supported Northeastern Hillel since its founding in 1962 and remained deeply involved for decades, regularly checking in to ensure Jewish students had a strong campus community available to them. He also encouraged connections between Hillel and other campus groups, believing in the importance of building bridges across differences.
Hillel and Jewish Greek Life Work Together to Help Students Build Community on Campus
For many Jewish college students, Hillel and Jewish Greek life organizations like AEPi offer spaces to build friendships, celebrate Jewish life, and develop leadership skills. Students at Northeastern University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Iowa describe how participating in both communities shapes their Jewish identities and strengthens their sense of belonging on campus. Said Northeastern student Noah Ben-Zion, “thanks to my community at Northeastern, both in Hillel and AEPi, which for me are very intertwined, I was lucky enough to feel safe and protected by those around me.”
Hillel International Awards More Than $350,000 to Largest-Ever Scholarship Cohort
Targeted gifts to Hillel International will award more than $350,000 in scholarships to 65 Jewish college students this fall, marking the largest cohort in the program’s history. The scholarships recognize academic achievement, community service, Jewish connection, first-generation college enrollment, and financial need, with most awards ranging from $3,000 to $18,000 per year and renewable through graduation. “All Jewish students deserve the opportunity to pursue their ambitions,” said Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International, adding that he is confident the recipients “will accomplish great things” with the support of these scholarships.