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 Michigan Hillel Opens Art Installation Celebrating Jewish Resilience
University of Michigan Hillel, in collaboration with the Jewish Communal Leadership Program (JCLP) and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor, unveiled a new art installation celebrating Jewish resilience. Renowned visual artist Hillel Smith led a community art session, guiding participants in creating a piece that reflects the strength and unity of the Jewish community amid challenges. The installation, now a permanent fixture at Michigan Hillel, serves as a lasting tribute to the community’s enduring spirit.
University of Wisconsin Hillel’s LaunchPad Program Connects Students with Jewish Professionals
University of Wisconsin Hillel’s LaunchPad initiative pairs University of Wisconsin-Madison students with professionals in fields like STEM, law, business, and marketing. Launched by undergraduates and now supported by Hillel staff, the program has expanded from one mentor-mentee pair to 45 pairs, with plans to grow to 150.
Brandeis Hillel and Brandeis University Partner to Build New Center for Jewish Life
Hillel at Brandeis and Brandeis University announced a major initiative to renovate Kutz Hall into a 28,000-square-foot Center for Jewish Life — the first-ever stand-alone building for Brandeis Hillel. This new facility will feature gathering spaces, a café, a beit midrash (dedicated space for Torah study), and areas for Shabbat and holiday celebrations. The project is part of a $25 million campaign to grow and strengthen Jewish life at Brandeis.
NYU Withholds Diploma to Student Speaker After Unapproved Anti-Israel Graduation Speech
NYU withheld the diploma of a student commencement speaker after he allegedly lied to university leaders, and gave a speech in which he falsely accused Israel and the United States of committing genocide in Gaza. University officials said that the student submitted a different version of his speech and knowingly misled administrators. The university said the student violated speech approval rules and is considering further disciplinary action.
American Hostage Edan Alexander Released After Nearly 600 Days in Hamas Captivity
After 584 days in Hamas captivity, Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old U.S. and Israeli citizen from Tenafly, New Jersey, was released and has returned safely to Israel. Edan has been reunited with his family as part of a deal brokered between Hamas and the United States.
Dear Hillel: Transfer Student Finds Belonging Through Hillel
Hope Donovan, a senior at Western Michigan University (WMU), describes how she discovered belonging and purpose through her involvement with Hillel. After transferring from a small Jesuit college to WMU, she embraced her Jewish identity by leading events like a Halloween-themed Shabbat and creating art that honored her Jewish heritage. As president of WMU Hillel, Donovan advocated for Jewish students and found the confidence to express her identity on campus and in her artwork. Hope’s story is part of the ‘Dear Hillel’ series written by graduating Jewish college seniors.