Hillel’s Israel Leadership Network Focuses on Strengthening Israel Engagement on Campus
Columbus Israeli Folk Dance Group Begins New Chapter
More Than 150 People Gather for Shabbat in Support of Oregon Hillel
More than 150 students, university administrators, elected officials, faith leaders, and community members gathered at the University of Oregon Hillel for a Shabbat celebrating Jewish community and resilience. The gathering came after antisemitic flyers were posted around campus targeting Hillel’s Executive Director Lenny Steinberg and calling for Hillel’s removal from campus. Oregon leaders, including U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, Rep. Val Hoyle, and University President John Karl Scholz, joined students to show their support for Jewish life on campus.
Hillels Across North America Mark Three Years Since October 7th
Flyers Posted on Campus Target Oregon Hillel Executive Director
University of Rochester Hillel Breaks Ground on New Jewish Student Center
University of Florida Reviewing Policies After Student with Antisemitic History Wins Award
The University of Florida’s Levin College of Law is reviewing its policies and procedures after a student who had been suspended for past racist and antisemitic comments received a faculty award for a paper arguing that constitutional rights apply only to white citizens. The student, Preston Damsky, had previously called for the “abolition” of Jews. University officials say they are reviewing the award process and reaffirming their commitment to student safety and equity.
Bodies of Three Slain Hostages Recovered in IDF Operation
The IDF has recovered the bodies of three slain hostages, Ofra Keidar, Jonathan Samerano, and Staff Sgt. Shay Levinson, in a joint operation with Shin Bet. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged the government to take advantage of the current situation and reach a hostage deal to bring the remaining 50 hostages home.
New Jersey Communities Celebrates Former Hostage Edan Alexander’s Homecoming
Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli who was held hostage by Hamas since October 7, 2023, was released in May 2025 and returned home to Tenafly, New Jersey this past weekend. He was greeted by hundreds of supporters lining the streets to welcome him back with signs and chants. His homecoming was celebrated by New Jersey leaders from across the political spectrum, including U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
Survey Finds More Than Half of Jewish Students at Columbia Faced Discrimination
Over 50% of Jewish students at Columbia University reported facing religious discrimination and feeling personal danger for their support of Jews or Israel during the 2023-2024 academic year, according to a summer 2024 survey that was just released.Columbia Interim President Claire Shipman said that she found the results “disturbing”, but was confident that the situation on campus for Jewish students would be improved moving forward.
Jewish U.S. Representative Max Miller Attacked in Alleged Antisemitic Road Rage Incident
A 36-year-old Ohio man, Feras S. Hamdan, was arrested after allegedly attempting to run Jewish U.S. Representative Max Miller off the road while shouting antisemitic slurs and threats to Miller and his family. Hamdan turned himself in and was charged with aggravated menacing.
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.