Hillel International

For Hillel at Ithaca College, this week was S'MORE fun than we could’ve ever imagined! They welcomed new Jewish college students to campus with an unforgettable FreshFest experience filled with quality time with new friends, nature walks, flower picking, and s'mores! 🔥🍫💐 Can we be new Jewish students at Ithaca College?

A new study from Brandeis University found that about one-third of college students surveyed agreed with at least one negative statement about Jews or Israel. Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International, said that while he’s expecting more campus tensions as the fall semester gets underway, this report offers university leaders insight into how to handle them. “In the short term, universities have critical work to do in articulating and enforcing policies that protect and create a healthy environment for all of their students,” he said. “In the longer term, universities need to double down when it comes to education and culture work that can produce a more respectful environment for students coming from different perspectives.” Read more about the Brandeis study and Adam’s thoughts in Inside Higher Ed ➡️ https://ow.ly/bXsw50T6SWC

Appalachian State Hillel got crafty this week, we might as well call them Picasso! 😉 From now on, forget picnics in the park, we’re doing it Appalachian State Hillel style and making mezuzahs!

Anyone up for a (virtual) road trip? 🚗 Students are finally arriving back to campus and Hillel is doing what Hillel does best, creating a home away from home! With over 300 Welcome Week events happening on campuses across the country, here are a few of our first stops: 🌴 FreshFest at University of Miami where students played trivia, basketball, ainting with Bubbie Ross (a play on Bob Ross), and participated in a Jewish cooking class. 🍑 Week of Welcome at Georgia Tech that kicked off with Popsicles and Swag at the AEPi house, sweet treats and Birthright chats, bagel breaks, and a Jewish block party. Read more about Hillel's Welcome Week events ⬇️ https://ow.ly/cbfF50T4t1L

It’s hard to keep up with all the news happening on campus, but we’ve got you covered. Click through ➡️ for Hillel’s weekly roundup to catch up on the latest news relevant to Jewish college students, campus life, and Hillel.

Queens University of Charlotte Hillel students are a perfect example of the strong Jewish leaders we need! Jewish students took a short flight to Chicago to attend the Interfaith America Summit, where nearly 500 attendees acknowledged interfaith challenges, learned how to bridge divides, explored what it means to be a student leader, and so much more. We can’t wait to see what these students bring back to campus!

Let’s be honest, being a Jewish college student in 2024 isn’t always easy. But Jay Solomon, the chief advancement officer for Hillel Ontario, wants Jewish students to know Hillel is here to stay. “As 14,000 Jewish students return to campuses across Ontario this fall, we are committing ourselves to the posture of Hineinu – we are here... This year, our programs will be bolder, our voice will be louder and our impact will be greater," he said. As part of its plan, Hillel Ontario will: ✅ Increase advocacy efforts by mobilizing more advocates than ever ✅ Stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Jewish students ✅ Push back against a wave of intolerance and hatred that intensified on 10/7 ✅ Ensure that antisemitism is rightly situated at the margins of campus discourse Read more about Hillel Ontario and Jay’s efforts ⬇️ https://ow.ly/TmJH50T2ilI

This Tu B’Av, we’re celebrating Leetal and Michael -- two Hillel International professionals who found their bashert in each other! ❤️ After their long-distance first date, lots of Facetime calls, a few cross-country flights, and becoming dog parents, the rest was history! Let’s all wish Leetal and Michael a big mazel tov on their recent engagement! Read more about their Hillel love story here ⬇️ https://ow.ly/beJN50T1zc4

Hillel International selected 22 young and inspiring Jewish student leaders to receive academic scholarships to their colleges and universities for the 2024-25 academic year. 🌟 We’re kvelling (SO proud) of each of these students for their exemplary leadership, academic achievements, volunteerism, and commitment to their Jewish communities on campus! Say mazel tov and see the full list of this year’s recipients here ➡️ https://ow.ly/pezt50SZqFm

Going back to campus after summer R&R (rest and relaxation) just got WAY better when Hillel announced 300+ back-to-school events for new and returning Jewish students! These events include: 🥩 Welcome week barbecues 🎉 Block parties 🏠 Early move-in 🕯️ Shabbat dinners ✡️ Traditional Jewish learning with a modern spin Hillel is ensuring that Jewish college students feel welcome on campus and can connect with their university’s Jewish community ahead of the first day of class. Read more about Hillel's Welcome Week programs ⬇️ https://ow.ly/uxAJ50SYCTn