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
Arizona Governor Signs Law Banning Protest Encampments on Public College Campuses
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed legislation making it a state crime to establish protest encampments on public college and university campuses. The bill, introduced by State Representative Alma Hernandez and passed with bipartisan support, was written in response to pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Arizona State University and the University of Arizona, where Jewish students reported feeling harassed during the protests. Under the new law, campus administrators can order individuals to vacate encampments, with noncompliance potentially leading to trespassing charges.
Anti-Israel Protesters at Columbia Library Arrested After Disrupting Final Exam Studies
Over 100 pro-Palestine protesters disrupted Columbia University’s main library, Butler Library, during reading week, chanting slogans and banging on drums in an anti-Israel demonstration organized by the university’s pro-Palestine group, Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), which is currently suspended. Police arrested more than 75 protesters after Acting President Claire Shipman authorized their removal. Brian Cohen, the executive director of Columbia Barnard Hillel, said the demonstrators “infringed on the rights of Jewish students to study for exams without being screamed at and harassed,” and called on the university to act swiftly to hold those responsible accountable.
Florida State University Hillel Supports Jewish Students After Campus Mass Mass Shooting
Following last month’s mass shooting at Florida State University that killed two people and injured six, Hillel at Florida State University supported Jewish students processing the trauma. Director of Leadership and Wellness Melanie Pelc organized healing activities including rock painting for a memorial, therapy animal visits, and educational posts on grief. Drawing on Jewish mourning traditions, Pelc emphasized the importance of slowing down and honoring grief without guilt.
Temple University Student Suspended After Displaying Antisemitic Sign in Philadelphia Bar
A Temple University student was suspended after displaying an antisemitic sign that read ‘F*** the Jews’ at Barstool Sansom Street in Philadelphia. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy condemned the incident, fired two employees involved, and announced plans to send the patrons responsible on an educational trip to Auschwitz — an offer he later retracted for one of the students involved after he denied accountability. Philadelphia police are investigating the matter.
Hillel Connects Jewish Students in 16 Countries Around the World Through Culture, Leadership, and Service
Jewish students in Hillel’s global network outside of North America explore their Jewish identities and find belonging and connection in their Hillel communities. Events such as the Hillel Global Social in London bring together students from multiple countries to build relationships through shared traditions and interests. These programs highlight Hillel’s focus on empowering students to build Jewish life through meaningful, real-world experiences and connection.
Former Hillel Student Leader Transforms Her Experience with Antisemitism into Global Advocacy
Tessa Veksler, former student body president at UC Santa Barbara and UCSB Hillel leader, faced antisemitic harassment after speaking out against the October 7th Hamas attack. She responded by launching the viral hashtag #We’reNotGoingAnywhere, documenting the hate she received and galvanizing support. Veksler now works in strategic communications, speaks nationwide, and is running for a seat on the World Zionist Congress, all while continuing to advocate for Jewish college students and Israel on a global stage.