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
Princeton Rejects Israel Divestment Proposal
Princeton University’s Resources Committee rejected a proposal to divest from companies that conduct business with Israel. The committee’s decision came after a detailed review of the request, which was made by a group of students. The committee cited concerns over the proposal’s alignment with the university’s investment principles, emphasizing the importance of academic freedom.
Federal Task Force to Review $5 Billion in Grant Funding for Columbia University Due to Ongoing Antisemitism
The U.S. Task Force to Combat Antisemitism is reviewing $5 billion in grant funding to Columbia University due to high levels of antisemitism on campus. The task force, which includes representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, and the General Services Administration, is investigating Columbia’s response to antisemitic incidents. While the university has expressed a commitment to addressing these issues, the potential funding cuts highlight ongoing concerns about the safety and security of Jewish students.
Northwestern Hillel Brings Together 500 Students for MegaShabbat
Northwestern’s annual MegaShabbat, organized by Northwestern Hillel with partnership from Chabad, brought together nearly 500 students and community members for a lively Shabbat celebration. The event featured an acapella performance; a mocktail hour; Shabbat services for Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox students; and a kosher meal, offering a meaningful and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Cornell University Plans New Hillel Building to Support Jewish Life on Campus
Cornell Hillel is working towards a new building to enhance Jewish life and community on campus. The new facility, which will be the first-ever stand-alone Hillel at the Ivy League school, will provide dedicated space for religious services, cultural events, and student engagement, further supporting the needs of the university’s growing Jewish student community.
Op/Ed: Why the Former Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Declined Offer to Teach at Columbia
Former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt explains why she recently chose not to teach at Columbia University, citing its lack of response to antisemitism following October 7. In this op-ed, she criticizes the university for failing to protect Jewish students and denounces the hostile campus environment that has developed in its aftermath.
Bodies of Four Hostages Returned to Israel
After over 500 days in captivity, bodies of four hostages have finally been returned to Israel and identified: Itzik Elgarat, Tsachi Idan, Ohad Yahalomi, and Shlomo Mantzur. The four men were kidnapped from their homes on October 7, 2023 and were murdered in captivity. All 33 hostages from phase one of the hostage-release and temporary ceasefire deal have now been released, leaving 59 remaining hostages, 35 of whom are presumed dead.