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
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.
Bodies of Two Hostages Recovered by the IDF in Gaza
The IDF recovered the bodies of two murdered Israeli hostages who were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023. Yair Yaakov, murdered by Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists on October 7, was one of the deceased hostages. The name of the second hostage has not yet been released.