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
Hundreds Gather in Boulder for “Run for Their Lives” a Week After Firebombing Attack
Hundreds gathered in Boulder, Colorado on June 8 for the weekly “Run for Their Lives” walk to show solidarity with the hostages held by Hamas, just one week after a firebombing attack injured 12 participants of the same program. This event spotlighted the 55 hostages still held in Gaza, with personal testimonies from their families. In an event that usually only draws about a dozen people, this record turnout included Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper among the hundreds of attendees.
Thai Hostage’s Body Recovered by IDF in Gaza
The IDF has recovered the body of Nattapong Pinta, a Thai hostage abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023. The joint operation between the IDF and Shin Bet took place in Rafah, where intelligence indicated that Pinta was murdered in captivity by the Mujahideen Brigades during the early months of the war. The same group is also responsible for the abduction and murders of Shiri Bibas and her two sons Ariel and Kfir, and married couple Gadi Haggai and Judith Weinstein Haggai.
New Hillel Director at Trinity College Hopes to Increase Jewish Joy
Trinity College named Rabbi Bonnie Margulis as the new Director of Hillel and Jewish Life on campus. With decades of experience as a teacher, mentor, and rabbi, she brings a deep passion for working with young people to the role. Rabbi Margulis says she hopes to “bring back the joy of Judaism” while ensuring Jewish students feel safe and happy on campus.
Bodies of Two American-Israeli Hostages Recovered by IDF in Gaza
The IDF has recovered the bodies of Gadi Haggai and Judith Weinstein Haggai, married U.S.-Israeli citizens killed and abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023 in Kibbutz Nir Oz. The operation took place in Khan Younis, acting on intelligence from a captured Hamas operative. The couple’s remains were held by the Mujahideen Brigades, a Hamas-allied group also responsible for the murders of Kfir, Ariel, and Shiri Bibas. Gadi and Judith’s deaths were confirmed in December of 2023.
Mediators Push to Finalize Israel-Hamas Hostage Deal by End of Week
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., are focused on bridging significant gaps in a proposed hostage release-ceasefire agreement. Hamas wants guarantees that the ceasefire will lead to a longer-term agreement, while Israel insists on a plan that includes the steady release of hostages—starting with 10 in the first week. Despite Hamas submitting alternative proposals, both were rejected, and pressure is mounting for a resolution by the end of the week.
CU Boulder Hillel Supports Jewish Boulder Community After Antisemitic Attack
Elyana Funk, executive director of University of Colorado Boulder Hillel who frequently participates in the ‘Run for Their Lives’ weekly march, expressed deep concern over the recent firebombing attack on a peaceful pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, calling it “particularly alarming.” The assault, which injured at least 15 individuals, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor, has intensified fears within the Jewish community about escalating antisemitic violence.