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
Hillel International Hosts Third Annual Content Creators Forum in New York City
Over 75 Hillel student leaders joined more than 20 Jewish content creators and journalists in New York City for the third annual Hillel International Content Creators Forum. The event featured workshops and mentorship sessions aimed at equipping students with tools to advocate for and educate others about Israel and Jewish culture through digital and social media. Notable speakers included 2021’s Miss Israel Noa Cochva, Holocaust survivor (and TikTok educator) Tova Friedman, and digital creator Melinda Strauss.
Government Plans to Cut $510 million in Funding from Brown University, Citing Antisemitism
The White House announced plans to freeze over $500 million of Brown University’s federal funding, citing concerns over the university’s handling of campus antisemitism and its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. University officials say they have not yet received an official notice regarding the funding freeze.
1,500 Students and Supporters Attend Annual National Hillel Basketball Tournament
The University of Maryland hosted the 13th annual National Hillel Basketball Tournament (NHBT), drawing over 1,000 attendees and 50 teams from 32 universities across the country. Teams competed for the coveted “Kiddush Cup” while participating in Shabbat meals and hearing from keynote speakers who focused on strengthening Jewish identity and building community. A team from the University of Pittsburgh claimed the men’s Tier 1 Championship, while a team from Yeshiva University claimed the title on the women’s side.
Protests Target Israel Block Party at University of Texas
The University of Texas Hillel hosted its 25th annual Israel Block Party, the largest of its kind on a North American campus with more than 600 students in attendance, celebrating Israeli culture and innovation. Around 50 anti-Israel demonstrators from the Palestine Solidarity Committee protested the event, chanting anti-Israel slogans.
UC Santa Barbara to Create Antisemitism Advisory Committee to Improve Campus Climate
The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) announced the intent to create an antisemitism advisory committee with the goal of improving the campus climate. This initiative follows the 2024 filing of a federal civil rights complaint by former student body president Tessa Veksler, who experienced antisemitism during her tenure. The university aims to strengthen safety and inclusion for Jewish and Israeli students after accusations of failing to address antisemitic harassment.
Interview with Activist and Hillel Teach-in Tour Educator Dalia Ziada on Facilitating Dialogue
Dalia Ziada, an Egyptian human rights activist, is visiting 45 college and university campuses this year as part of Hillel International’s Teach-In Tour to engage U.S. students on Middle East issues. Ziada aims to challenge misconceptions and spark open dialogue about the region’s complexities.