UF Hillel Commemorates Three Years Since October 7th
University of Rochester Hillel Breaks Ground on New Jewish Student Center
Hillels Across North America Mark Three Years Since October 7th
Thousands of Jewish students at Hillels across North America marked three years since the October 7th attacks with vigils, exhibitions, art projects, speakers, and opportunities for reflection. At Hillel of Buffalo, students participated in a remembrance gathering and heard from Nova Festival survivor Atir Vinnikov, while University at Albany Hillel created a “Wings of Hope” art installation honoring those killed at Kfar Aza. Other Hillels, including University of Chicago, Penn State, and SLO Hillel, hosted campus-wide programs that shared the stories of those affected by October 7th and created space for students to find support and comfort.
Students Find New Perspectives on Israel Through Birthright
Hillel Rio Brings Hundreds Together for Sukkot
Op-Ed: Cultivating Lifelong Learning Through Israel Education
Carnegie Mellon Defends Fence Restrictions After Anti-Israel Vandalism
Carnegie Mellon University defended its new restrictions and disciplinary actions concerning the historic campus “The Fence” after facing criticism from advocacy groups. The administration’s new policies include permitting campus police to request valid CMU identification from anyone painting on the structure. According to CMU’s student newspaper, the university also has placed 10 students under investigation for allegedly painting anti-Israel slogans on the property. University officials say action was needed to prevent a hostile environment that “crossed the bounds of… community norms.”
Hillel International Hosts Virtual Session for Incoming College Students
Hillel International hosted its latest Virtual College Prep Series session, “Incoming FIrst Years: Know Before You Go,” where Jewish college seniors shared advice for incoming first-year students to help them navigate their first weeks of college with confidence. Panelists made recommendations on settling into dorm life, finding new friends, and connecting with their campus Jewish community from day one. Speakers also suggested practical steps such as locating classrooms in advance and proactively introducing themselves to fellow students to help ease the transition.
Hillel International Invests in Leadership and Community Development Across 180 Campuses
Hillel International is awarding nearly $3.7 million in grants to more than 180 campus Hillels to fund initiatives including student leadership development, Shabbat programs, and regional gatherings. These grants, benefitting thousands of students, will help give Jewish students the tools, community, and confidence to build thriving, joyful Jewish life on campus.
Rice University Student Austin Lambert Joins Hillel International Student Cabinet
Rice University student Austin Lambert was selected to join Hillel International’s 2026-2027 Student Cabinet, a group of 20 outstanding student leaders who serve as ambassadors of the Hillel movement. Houston Hillel Executive Director Rabbi Kenny Weiss said Lambert “has demonstrated exceptional leadership at Rice Hillel” and credited him with helping implement weekly on-campus Shabbat dinners, adding that Lambert’s perspective and experience will strengthen both the Student Cabinet and the Rice Hillel community.
New Hillel Professionals Gather for Training and Community Building
More than 200 new Hillel professionals gathered at The Ohio State University for the Hillel International 2026 New Professionals Institute, where they participated in a three-day immersive onboarding experience that included leadership training and relationship-building. The annual program equips new staff with the skills, knowledge, and professional network to support Jewish students and strengthen campus communities.
Maryland Hillel Names New Leaders After Move to New Building
Maryland Hillel named longtime Executive Director Rabbi Ari Israel as its CEO, and expanded its team to support an anticipated growth in Jewish student engagement as the organization settles into its new building. “We are hoping that our new location is going to augment our participation numbers, involvement, leadership opportunities and community building,” said Israel, in an interview with Washington Jewish Week. “It’s the right opportunity for us to get the right team on board,” he added.