Mizzou Hillel named Scott Gerstel as its new executive director, and starting this fall, he will guide the Jewish campus organization at the University of Missouri. Gerstel brings a passion for student programming and community building, and he looks forward to “improving alumni relations and growing Columbia’s tight-knit community.”
The University of Michigan issued an apology after Faculty Senate Chair Derek Peterson praised anti-Israel student activists during a commencement speech. The university said the remarks were “hurtful and insensitive” and deviated from pre-approved comments. University President Domenico Grasso said the speech did not reflect the institution’s position and apologized for the harm caused to members of the community.
The New School administration has struck down a student government vote that sought to defund its Hillel and sever ties with Hillel International. Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International, said that “University leaders across the country have consistently affirmed Hillel’s critical role in supporting Jewish students and adding value to the overall campus community … Jewish life on campus through Hillel is not up for debate. We will continue to ensure every student has a place where they can belong and fully express their Jewish identities.”
Swarthmore College reported hundreds of acts of vandalism across campus after a group of activists allegedly spray-painted anti-Israel slogans and symbols on buildings, trees, and walkways. College President Val Smith said the damage could take days to remove, and stated that any students involved would face disciplinary action.
The Jewish Theological Seminary named Rabbi Mike Uram as its next chancellor, succeeding Dr. Shuly Rubin Schwartz at the end of the academic year. Uram, currently chief Jewish learning officer at the Jewish Federations of North America, previously worked for more than 16 years at the University of Pennsylvania Hillel and has pioneered multiple Jewish education initiatives. On social media, Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International congratulated Rabbi Uram, saying, “Mazel Tov to Rabbi Mike Uram on being appointed the next Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary! Based on his 11 years as an inspiring and innovative Hillel leader, I’m confident Mike will bring the bold vision and entrepreneurial spirit JTS needs at this critical moment in its storied history.”
Touro University announced a new institute focused on combating antisemitism in higher education through research, trainings and other convenings, and policy initiatives. Their multi-pronged approach will include work with professors at universities nationwide, as well as leaders across academia, policy, law, media, and business to develop new strategies, study existing laws, and investigate the impact of antisemitism so discourse is grounded in evidence. “We believe that lasting change requires working on multiple fronts simultaneously, because antisemitism is not a single problem with a single solution,” said Touro University President Dr. Alan Kadish.