UMass Amherst Student Brings Jewish Ritual Leadership Back to Campus
Hillel International and Repair the World’s Bridging Service Fellowship Returns for Second Year
New Hillel Director Looks to Build Community at Ithaca College
Hillel International Expands Shabbat Opportunities at 130+ Hillels
This fall, more than 130 Hillels will receive grants to expand Shabbat programming as part of Hillel International’s “Shabbat Surge,” a movement-wide effort to strengthen Shabbat experiences during the first six weeks of the semester. The initiative aims to bring more students together around the Shabbat table and create opportunities for connection and community. “There’s something really special about seeing students who might not otherwise cross paths sitting around the same table, laughing, talking, and creating community together,” said Ben Novorr, director of Jewish student engagement at University of Kansas Hillel.
Welcome Week Brings Jewish Students Together on Campus
Hillel International Welcomes Its 10th Student Cabinet Cohort at Annual Gathering
UC Berkeley Hillel to Celebrate 100 Years of Jewish Student Life
1,500 Birthright Participants Rerouted to Cyprus Amid Israel‑Iran Escalation
In response to the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, Birthright Israel rerouted approximately 1,500 participants from the Israeli port city of Ashdod onto a cruise ship bound for Cyprus. The decision was made to ensure student safety. The participants were eventually routed to other parts of Europe before returning safely home to the U.S. and Canada.
Iran Strikes Haifa and Central Israel, Killing 8 and Injuring Hundreds
In response to Israel’s preemptive strike against Iranian nuclear facilities and military leaders, Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles at Israel, hitting major cities including Haifa and Tel Aviv. The attack killed eight civilians and left 300 injured, marking one of the deadliest escalations in the region since the start of direct hostilities.
Brick with “Free Palestine” Thrown Through Window of Boston Kosher Grocery
A kosher grocery store in Boston, The Butcherie, was vandalized when a brick painted with the words “Free Palestine” was thrown through its front window. Local authorities are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime, noting that the act targeted a visibly Jewish-owned business. Community members and leaders have since gathered in support of the store, condemning the incident as an attack on the broader Jewish community. The Butcherie posted a hopeful message on social media after the attack saying, “The Jewish people have endured far worse and have always stood tall, with dignity and unity. We will continue to serve our community proudly and without fear.”
Body of Slain Hostage Aviv Atzili Recovered from Gaza
The IDF confirmed that the body of hostage Aviv Atzili, who was killed during Hamas’s October 7th attack and taken into Gaza, was recovered last week in a military operation. Atzili was a respected artist and a pillar of the Kibbutz Nir Oz community. His wife, Liat, was also taken hostage but was released in November 2023 during a week-long truce between Israel and Hamas.
Op/Ed: The Danger of Antisemitism in Today’s Society
In this opinion piece by the New York Times Editorial Board, antisemitism is examined as a persistent and growing threat in today’s discourse, with increasing antisemitism coming from both the far left and far right. The op/ed highlights how harmful stereotypes and conspiracy theories about Jewish people are increasingly normalized, and urges society to confront and reject these dangerous attitudes before they become further entrenched.
Israel Launches Major Strike on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
Israel launched coordinated overnight strikes across Iran, targeting nuclear and military sites in cities including Tehran and Natanz. A number of top Iranian commanders are reportedly among the casualties. Israeli officials say the operation is meant to disrupt Iran’s nuclear weapons program and missile capabilities. Israel has declared a nationwide state of emergency. This is a developing story.