News

83% of Jewish College Students Have Experienced or Witnessed Antisemitism Firsthand Since Oct. 7 Attack, Survey Finds

Author

黑料传送门

Date

January 30, 2025

• 41 percent of Jewish students felt the need to hide their Jewish identity;
• One-in-four Jewish students felt compelled to take security precautions;
• Two-thirds of Jewish students lack confidence in their university鈥檚 ability to prevent antisemitic incidents

Eighty-three percent of Jewish college students have experienced or witnessed some form of antisemitism since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, according to a new survey by ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), 黑料传送门, and College Pulse.      

Moreover, more than a quarter (27 percent) of Jewish students surveyed said they had observed antisemitic activity by faculty, compared to only 6 percent of non-Jewish students. The survey also found that two-thirds (66 percent) of Jewish students (and 60 percent of non-Jewish students) were not confident in their university鈥檚 ability to prevent antisemitic incidents.

鈥淪ince the October 7 attack in Israel, Jewish students have felt increasingly threatened, unwelcome and unsupported on campus, both by students and faculty,鈥� said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO. 鈥淚t is unacceptable that Jewish students cannot be confident in their university鈥檚 ability to address and prevent antisemitic incidents, and that they now live in a world in which they feel compelled to conceal their identity and beliefs. These findings underscore the urgent need for university leaders to step up and protect Jewish students.鈥�

鈥淭hese findings paint a deeply concerning picture of what Jewish students are facing on campuses today,鈥� said Adam Lehman, President and CEO of 黑料传送门. 鈥淎s we work to ensure that campuses are free from antisemitism, we are committed to creating spaces where Jewish students can build vibrant communities and express their identities with pride. No student should ever feel the need to hide who they are or take extra precautions to protect themselves while they鈥檙e living and learning at school.鈥�

Other key findings include:

• 22.9 percent of Jewish students have felt compelled to take additional security precautions.
• Only about half (49.6 percent) of Jewish students reported feeling 鈥渧ery鈥� or 鈥渆xtremely鈥� comfortable with others on campus knowing their Jewish identity; 41 percent actively felt the need to hide their Jewish identity, and only 27 percent felt comfortable with others on campus knowing their views of Israel.
• More than one-in-ten Jewish students (13 percent) have withdrawn fromcampus or social activities, compared to only 2 percent of non-Jewish students.
• An overwhelming majority of students (92.5 percent) who had reported witnessing or experiencing an incident of antisemitism on campus did not report the incident to campus authorities.
  • Low awareness about what to do and a lack of confidence that they would get the help they needed drove many students to not report incidents of campus antisemitism.
  • A clear reporting policy was among the most frequently cited policies of importance to Jewish students (51 percent).
• Extreme anti-Israel attitudes were strongly related to minimization of the issue of anti-Jewish prejudice on campus among non-Jewish students.

Along with other leading Jewish communal and anti-hate organizations, ADL and 黑料传送门 have been at the forefront in countering antisemitism on campus through ADL鈥檚 Ronald Birnbaum Center to Combat Antisemitism in Education () and campaign, and 黑料传送门鈥檚 Campus Climate Initiative (CCI), Campus4All.org website, and on-the-ground presence on hundreds of college and university campuses nationwide.聽

In November 2023, ADL and 黑料传送门 also launched the , a free legal protection helpline for students who have experienced antisemitism, along with the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP.

By heeding and joint 鈥� developed in collaboration with leading Jewish communal partners 鈥� and adopting tailored data-driven solutions, educational institutions can work to ensure that all students, including Jewish students, can thrive in a safe and welcoming campus environment.

Methodology

In partnership with 黑料传送门 and College Pulse, ADL fielded a survey of college students at 135 universities across the United States in the fall semester of 2024. This survey was conducted by College Pulse, an online survey and analytics platform focused on American college students. College Pulse鈥檚 includes more than 950,000 college students from more than 1,500 institutions of higher education across all 50 states. This survey employed an oversample of Jewish students, with 1,030 Jewish students and 1,140 non-Jewish students responding. Responses from non-Jewish students were gathered from 135 colleges and universities, while responses from Jewish students were gathered from 128 of these colleges and universities.

黑料传送门 ADL

ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is 鈥渢o stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.鈥� Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all. More at .

黑料传送门 黑料传送门

Founded in 1923, Hillel has been impacting the lives of Jewish college students and countering antisemitism on campus for more than 100 years. 黑料传送门 is a global organization that welcomes students of all backgrounds and fosters an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel. As the largest Jewish student organization in the world, Hillel builds connections with emerging adults at more than 850 colleges and universities. During their formative college years, students are inspired to explore, experience, and create vibrant Jewish lives.

黑料传送门 College Pulse

College Pulse is a survey research and analytics company dedicated to understanding the attitudes, preferences, and behaviors of today鈥檚 college students. College Pulse offers custom data-driven marketing and research solutions, utilizing its unique American College Student Panel鈩� that includes over 950,000 college students and recent graduates from more than 1,500 two- and four-year colleges and universities across all 50 states.

The post 83% of Jewish College Students Have Experienced or Witnessed Antisemitism Firsthand Since Oct. 7 Attack, Survey Finds appeared first on 黑料传送门.

News

We Are Still Here: Traveling to Poland with Hillel

Author

Jordan Kekst

Date

January 24, 2025

University of Miami student Jordan Kekst recently traveled to Poland with other Jewish students as part of a trip organized by the Hillels of Florida, including University of Miami Hillel, Hillel at Florida International University, University of Florida Hillel, , Hillel at Florida State University, Central Florida Hillel, and . This powerful reflection from his trip was originally published on the University of Miami Hillel Instagram page, and we are honored to share it ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.聽

I am an architecture student at the University of Miami, originally from Los Angeles. While I do not have a personal family connection to the Holocaust, I have always felt a deep responsibility to remember and honor those who were lost. This trip was an opportunity to witness history firsthand and better understand the impact of the Shoah, the Holocaust, beyond textbooks and museums.

Standing in Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II: Birkenau, Majdanek, and Treblinka, we walked the same paths where millions were forced to endure unspeakable cruelty. We saw the barracks designed as stables where Jews lived in inhumane conditions for years, the gas chambers where they were murdered, and the crematoriums where their remains were discarded without dignity. 

The scale of the Holocaust was incomprehensible, but it was the details, the bales of hair, the piles of glasses worn by Jews just like me, the faint echoes of lives once lived, that was truly shattering. 

One moment that has stayed with me is walking into the Yad Vashem exhibit at Auschwitz I, where videos and photos of Holocaust victims were played, showing them laughing, spending time with loved ones, and simply living their lives. Seeing their faces and joy in a place where they were murdered made the loss feel deeply personal. It was there that I truly grasped the sheer scale of the Holocaust, not just as statistics or numbers, but as unfathomable human tragedies. The weight of that realization has stayed with me every day, serving as a reminder that behind every number were stories, families, and entire worlds violently cut short, never to be fully known.

Bearing witness to their pain felt like both a responsibility and an obligation. I imagined myself in their positions. How would I have felt? What would I have done?

Yet along with this intense mourning, there was also light. As we traveled through Krakow, Lublin, Warsaw, and Kazimierz, our kehilah (community) found moments of connection, joy, and even laughter. We sang together, shared stories, and leaned on each other for support on long bus rides and in group discussions. 

This balance of grief and levity felt profoundly Jewish; tapping into a tradition that intertwines joy and sorrow, honoring the past while finding reasons to celebrate life and our combined strength.

This trip reminded me of the resilience of the Jewish people. For every life taken, there are communities that refuse to let their memory fade. For every moment of despair, there is a spark of hope. Our group left Poland bonded, not only by the weight of history, but by the shared strength of our identity.  

We are still here. We remember. We carry their stories forward. Never again. 

The post We Are Still Here: Traveling to Poland with Hillel appeared first on 黑料传送门.

News

Through Their Stories, We Remember Them: Holocaust Education Week 黑料传送门 Guelph

Author

黑料传送门

Date

January 24, 2025

International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which takes place annually on January 27, serves as a global commemoration of the six million Jews and five million others who were killed during the Holocaust. The date January 27 has particular significance, as it marks when the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated in 1945.

At Hillel Guelph this year, International Holocaust Remembrance Day won鈥檛 just be a day-long observance, but part of a weeklong Holocaust education effort featuring a slate of eight different programs.

The week will begin with 鈥淪tories from Our Families,鈥� a screening of the telling the stories of two students鈥� families, followed by an open discussion for students to reflect on Holocaust remembrance in their lives, helping to establish 鈥渇amily stories鈥� as the theme for this year鈥檚 Holocaust Education Week. Students will then have the opportunity to visit the Royal Ontario Museum鈥檚 new exhibit on the Holocaust, 鈥淎uschwitz: Not long ago. Not far away鈥� – a trip open to both Jewish and non-Jewish students – allowing them to engage with Holocaust education more intimately. The week will conclude with testimony from Canadian survivor Sol Nayman, giving current students, who are the last generation that will be able to learn directly from survivors, the opportunity to hear and bear witness to their stories.

On the memorial day itself, Hillel Guelph will hold a public candle-lighting and ceremony, including poems, songs, and impactful speeches from Hillel student leaders. The Hillel will also host an exhibit in the style of Yad VaShem, Israel鈥檚 Holocaust memorial museum, educating the wider student body on how the Holocaust happened and its effects on modern Canadian Jews.

鈥淗olocaust Education Week has always been a cornerstone of our programming,鈥� said Chaya Mamer, Ezra Jewish Education Fellow 黑料传送门 Guelph. 鈥淪omething unique about the Canadian Jewish community is there are a lot of third-generation survivors. Storytelling helps get the history of the Holocaust across to an unrelated student by making it personal. It makes it feel real.鈥� 

Hillel Guelph鈥檚 Holocaust Education Week was organized by a committee of 13 student leaders who developed the comprehensive slate of programs based on their family experiences and what they hope their classmates will take from participating. Six of the 13 students will share their families鈥� stories throughout the week. 

鈥淚 was drawn to lead Holocaust Education Week because the Holocaust is something that has been important to me since I found out that all my great-grandparents were victims,鈥� said Leora Strigberger, student co-lead on the committee. 鈥淚 have spent the past 10 years learning about it, both through historical sources and personal stories, and so I jumped at the opportunity to share my knowledge with others.鈥�

Amy Feigelsohn, student co-president of Hillel Guelph鈥檚 student leadership board, said this programming feels particularly relevant today. 

鈥淗olocaust education at Guelph is especially important [to me] given the rise of antisemitism around the world. It鈥檚 crucial that we educate our campus community about the atrocities of the Holocaust to ensure that such horrors are never repeated.鈥� she said. . 

Most of Hillel Guelph鈥檚 Holocaust remembrance events this year will be open to the wider campus community, including the trip to the Royal Ontario Museum and the survivor testimonials. These events are intended to give all students the ability to connect and engage firsthand with the history of the Holocaust, using storytelling to keep this history alive and help students connect with it in a way that feels real.

鈥淲hat we hope for anyone who comes across any of our events is that they walk away learning something new about the Holocaust,鈥� said Mamer. 鈥淎t the end of the day, knowledge is power, and is critical to creating a safer, more inclusive environment for Jewish students.鈥�

The post Through Their Stories, We Remember Them: Holocaust Education Week 黑料传送门 Guelph appeared first on 黑料传送门.

News

Hillel鈥檚 Virtual College Prep Series Returns: Considering Antisemitism on Campus

Author

黑料传送门

Date

December 10, 2024

黑料传送门鈥檚 Virtual College Prep Series is back, and this time speakers tackled the state of antisemitism on college campuses, what Jewish life is really like at colleges and universities, and how Hillels are showing up to help every Jewish student feel safe, supported, and included.

Here are a few top takeaways from 鈥淐areful Considerations: Antisemitism on Campus,鈥� featuring on-the-ground perspectives from Hillel staff and current Jewish college students.

On a hopeful note, schools are improving their responses to antisemitism, in part thanks to Hillel鈥檚 initiatives, and that鈥檚 making a big difference.

鈥淗illel recorded [over] 2,600 incidents of antisemitism on college campuses since October 7,鈥� said Lisa Armony, executive director of Hillel鈥檚 Campus Climate Initiative. 鈥淸And] those incidents took place on 385 campuses.鈥� Since the beginning of this academic year, Hillels have seen a decrease in the number of antisemitic incidents on campuses, but an increase in the extreme nature of the incidents. 

Part of that change has come from Hillel鈥檚 Campus Climate Initiative, a program for college and university administrators to counter antisemitism and build a campus community in which Jewish students feel comfortable expressing their identity. Nearly 100 schools have participated in the initiative to date.

鈥淲e’ve seen universities improve in how they communicate with their students, and with the broader community in terms of what their policies are,鈥� said Armony, who is a parent to two college students. 鈥淲e’re seeing some campuses really step up and do a terrific job鈥� creating short and long term change, where inclusion of Jewish students is just part of what they do.鈥� 

If you want to learn more about what Jewish life is like at a school you鈥檙e considering, reach out to the campus Hillel.

鈥淗illel professionals and Jewish students are the ones that really understand what鈥檚 going on,鈥� Armony said. 鈥淪o ask them: What is it like to be a Jewish student on your campus? What are you excited about? What do you love about your campus, and what are some of the challenges? You can have a really frank conversation about that.鈥�

Armony also recommends asking  broader university questions about antisemitism, anti-Israel discrimination, and the campus climate as a whole 鈥� such as how administrators respond to antisemitic incidents, how the university administration proactively supports Jewish students, and how polarizing issues are dealt with in and out of the classroom.

鈥淥ne of my biggest points of advice to parents when looking at this picture is to think about fit, just like you would for any aspect of choosing the right school,鈥� said Adam Lehman, 黑料传送门 president and CEO. 鈥淵ou know how your student is going to be successful.鈥�

At the end of the day, Jewish students are still thriving and living joyously on college campuses, and Hillel plays a role in making that happen.聽

[Hillel is] very much living out the critical role of creating incredible spaces for Jewish students to express their Jewish identities,鈥� said Lehman.

Vivian Cohen 鈥�26, a student at Virginia Tech, agreed with Lehman. 鈥淭he Jewish community has only grown stronger, and Jewish students want to engage more. Jewish students want to be with other Jewish students. They want to have that connection,鈥� she said.聽

Adena Kirstein, executive director of George Washington University Hillel, said that making those joyous spaces for students to grow and connect with their Jewish identities remains the best part of her job.

鈥淭hat’s the dream of the work that we’re doing,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd I feel grateful and privileged to do it time and time again.鈥�

to hear all the tips and resources we couldn鈥檛 fit into just one blog post, including scholarships and opportunities to get involved.

The post Hillel鈥檚 Virtual College Prep Series Returns: Considering Antisemitism on Campus appeared first on 黑料传送门.

News

Learnings from the 2024 College and University Presidents Summit on Campus Antisemitism

Author

黑料传送门

Date

September 26, 2024

After a year of , presidents and chancellors from across the United States gathered at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C. for a historic Summit to confront the rise of antisemitism that Jewish college students are facing. 

Hosted by 黑料传送门, the American Jewish Committee (AJC), and the American Council on Education (ACE), the College and University Presidents Summit on Campus Antisemitism brought together more than 75 leaders from large public universities, small private colleges, Ivy League schools, community colleges, and liberal arts colleges of all sizes. Subject-matter experts led discussions that explored the deep roots of contemporary antisemitism, the relationship between free speech imperatives and creating a safe campus for all students, and applications of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. 

鈥淲e are confronting a wave of anti-Jewish hatred like none of us have experienced in our lifetimes,鈥� said Matthew Bronfman, chair of the 黑料传送门 Board of Governors. 鈥淚 am immensely proud of Hillel professionals who are building strong, resilient communities on campus in response. And now it is time for university administrators to take determined action to secure our campuses for all students.鈥�

黑料传送门 President and CEO Adam Lehman underscored the magnitude of the Summit, saying to the assembled university presidents and chancellors, 鈥淵our presence here sends an important message about your commitment to tackling the significant and systemic current challenge of campus antisemitism.鈥�

Keep reading for a snapshot of the top five topics discussed at the Summit:

1. Many students are feeling unsafe

When we say that antisemitism is damaging to Jewish students and all students, we mean it. In an opening panel on the current spike in campus antisemitism, experts in political violence shared findings from a large study of colleges and universities that was conducted after October 7. 

The Chicago Project on Security and Threats study . And in addition to Jewish students, 16% of all college students reported the same. That means between two and three  million college students have experienced moments of personal danger over the last year with the rise of unrest, disruptive protests, and antisemitism. 

Students are anxious and disturbed by the environment on their campuses, and it鈥檚 disrupting their education. 

2. Universities are learning and adapting to protect Jewish students

Many universities were caught off guard following October 7 by the sudden, extreme spike in antisemitic rhetoric and activities. Without the preparedness and capacity needed to manage disruptions to campus life, colleges and universities were often slow to react and uncertain of the best course of action. 

One goal of the Summit was to equip university leaders with the tools to develop and execute a clear plan to protect Jewish students, and ensure that every student鈥檚 education could flourish. Ted Deutch, CEO of AJC, stressed the vital role university presidents play in supporting Jewish students on campus.  鈥淯ltimately, university leaders must be the ones to take the helm of confronting antisemitism,鈥� he said. 鈥漌e know you can do that in ways that respect your institution鈥檚 core principles and ideals.鈥� 

While there is much more work to be done, it is reassuring to see so many university leaders taking action to combat antisemitism. 

3. Clarifying and enforcing codes of conduct is essential for keeping all students safe on campus 

The Summit also focused on the tools colleges and universities may already have in place to foster safe and inclusive learning spaces for Jewish students, including their existing student codes of conduct and regulations governing the time, place, and manner of protests and demonstrations. These rules typically provide guidelines on appropriate protest procedures, rules for when and how public spaces can be used on campus, and consequences for violations that block other students鈥� ability to learn, study, and access their campus spaces. 

When students or faculty cross the boundaries of those codes, university leaders are committing to acting quickly and decisively to uphold campus expectations of civil dialogue and behavior. 鈥淓ach campus will have to forge its own strategy rooted in its unique culture, dynamics, and resources,鈥� said Lisa Armony, executive director of 黑料传送门鈥檚 Campus Climate Initiative. 鈥淏ut there are steps that you can all take right now that will have an immediate impact for your students and in the long run, will help to avoid an existential crisis for higher education.鈥�

4. Difficult and respectful conversations are central to a college and university education

The Summit was an avenue for university leaders to discuss how to recommit their institutions to the values of pluralism, where students with a wide diversity of identities and viewpoints are welcome to share their ideas and beliefs in a respectful educational environment.

鈥淥pen discourse around ideas, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and the sustenance of a pluralistic society that protects individuals鈥� rights undergird our democracy, and as universities, we have an indispensable role to play by reflecting and embodying these values to shape our nation for the better,鈥� said Johns Hopkins University President Ron Daniels. 

Goucher College President Kent Devereaux agreed. 鈥淏y modeling for our students how to engage in difficult, sometimes contentious conversations about critical issues, as we discussed at this conference, we hope to prepare them to play an important role in fostering understanding in our society,鈥� he said. 

5. Title VI enforcement is evolving to become a critical tool for protecting Jewish students

What is Title VI and why is it in the news so often? which聽 prohibits discrimination in educational institutions on the basis of 鈥渞ace, color, and national origin.鈥� One of the key sessions at the Summit took a deep dive into the ways that Title VI investigations and decisions can help protect Jewish students from harassment and discrimination in the short and long term. University leaders also had the opportunity to ask detailed questions to a legal expert in Title VI cases.

As university presidents return to campus, they are recommitting to the work of protecting and uplifting Jewish students. In reflecting on the Summit, New York University President Linda G. Mills said, 鈥淚 was glad to be part of this Summit, which provided university leaders with important opportunities to exchange ideas; to stand united in pushing back against antisemitism; to commit to fostering safe and inclusive campuses where students may flourish free from harassment, discrimination, and threats; and to uphold our traditions of reasoned discourse.鈥�

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News

Hillel, AJC, and ACE Convene 75+ College and University Presidents for Historic Summit on Campus Antisemitism聽

Author

黑料传送门

Date

September 23, 2024

The Summit held September 22-23 in Washington, D.C. was the largest-ever gathering of university presidents to address rising antisemitism on campus 

Washington D.C.- Today, 黑料传送门, American Jewish Committee (AJC), and the American Council on Education (ACE) concluded a landmark two-day College and University Presidents Summit on Campus Antisemitism, held at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center. With more than 75 university presidents and chancellors attending, the Summit marked the largest-ever gathering of college and university presidents to discuss the topic of confronting antisemitism on campus.聽

The presidents and chancellors in attendance at the Summit reflected the full diversity of American higher education, including the leaders of prominent research universities, public and private, as well as regional public universities, private liberal arts colleges, community colleges, Ivy League schools, and faith-based institutions. 

After nearly 12 months of dramatically rising antisemitism on college campuses, university presidents benefited from panel discussions with leading subject-matter experts that explored the deep roots of contemporary antisemitism, discussed the relationship between free speech imperatives and creating a safe campus for all students, and delved into applications of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Presidents also participated in solutions-based working sessions where they learned from one another about the strategies that are already proving successful during the new academic year, and how to translate those approaches to their own campuses to foster inclusion and combat hate.  

鈥淎s we seek to restore a safe and inclusive campus environment for all students, we鈥檙e proud to see how committed university leaders are to addressing rising antisemitism by participating in this critical Summit,鈥� said 黑料传送门 President and CEO Adam Lehman. 鈥淛ust as we have for more than a century, Hillel will continue to work beside university presidents each and every day to ensure that Jewish students are protected and welcome on every college campus.鈥�

鈥淯niversities play an outsized role in our broader society, encouraging values-driven leadership, the open exchange of ideas, and the principles that form the foundation of our democracy,鈥� said AJC CEO Ted Deutch. 鈥淎ddressing the hate we鈥檙e witnessing on campus is not just essential for the safety and security of Jewish students in the quad, but also for the health of higher education in America. Only by ensuring that the voices of the Jewish community are not silenced can we ensure the free exchange of ideas, the importance of which extends beyond campus and forms the bedrock of our liberal democracy.鈥�

“College and university presidents are committed to ensuring that Jewish students, along with all of our students, are on campuses that are safe places in which to learn and thrive academically and socially, and where at the same time robust and sometimes difficult conversations flourish,” said ACE President Ted Mitchell. “I’m proud that ACE was able to partner with AJC and 黑料传送门 on this second College and University Presidents Summit on Campus Antisemitism, and I am confident the more than 75 presidents who attended left better equipped to take on these tough issues and the challenges to come, to the benefit of all of our students and communities.”

In April of 2022, 黑料传送门, AJC, and ACE convened the first University Presidents Summit on Campus Antisemitism in New York City, hosted by NYU. In the two years since, rates of antisemitism in the U.S. and on college and university campuses have risen to historically high levels, with antisemitic incidents on college campuses increasing from fewer than 300 in the 2022-2023 school year, to more than 1,800 in 2023-2024 following the October 7 attack on Israel. The current environment on campuses throughout the U.S. and Canada has required new approaches such as the ones discussed at this year鈥檚 conference.

Johns Hopkins University President Ron Daniels said, 鈥淗opkins was honored to welcome leaders of universities and colleges across the nation that are grappling with the challenge of rising antisemitism. Holding this conversation in the heart of the nation鈥檚 capital reminds us of our founding ideals and what those ideals have meant to Jewish people here and around the world. Open discourse around ideas, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and the sustenance of a pluralistic society that protects individuals鈥� rights undergird our democracy, and as universities, we have an indispensable role to play by reflecting and embodying these values to shape our nation for the better.鈥�

NYU President Linda G. Mills said, 鈥淎ntisemitism, which should have no foothold on our campuses, has had an appalling and heartbreaking surge. I was glad to be part of this Summit, which provided university leaders with important opportunities to exchange ideas; to stand united in pushing back against antisemitism; to commit to fostering safe and inclusive campuses where students may flourish free from harassment, discrimination, and threats; and to uphold our traditions of reasoned discourse.鈥�

In addition to the Summit, earlier this year 黑料传送门 and AJC launched an expanded partnership to work with college and university presidents to counter antisemitism on campus, through AJC鈥檚 new and 黑料传送门鈥檚 flagship Campus Climate Initiative. In 2025, AJC鈥檚 groundbreaking Project Interchange and Hillel鈥檚 Campus Climate Initiative will host a joint delegation of college and university administrators from across the country to travel to Israel for an immersive learning program.

Additional Comments From Presidents Who Attended the Summit:

“I am profoundly grateful to 黑料传送门, AJC, and ACE for this opportunity to come together with so many distinguished university leaders at this historic Summit. Together, we are combating antisemitism, confronting hate, and building stronger, safer, and more inclusive communities, ones in which we are committed to rooting out the poisonous fruit of deeply held bigotries, and ones in which we will learn together and grow together in respect, understanding, and harmony.鈥� 鈥� University of Michigan President Santa J. Ono

鈥淐onvening education leaders from across the nation for this important Summit is a necessary step in our collective responsibility toward fostering safe academic environments for the students we serve. Through dialogue and collaboration, we can share insights, strategies, and experiences that build upon our commitment to ensure every student feels valued and protected within our educational institutions.鈥� 鈥� Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega

鈥淎t Goucher College, we have long valued the breadth of lived experience and perspectives that religious pluralism brings to our campus. By modeling for our students how to engage in difficult, sometimes contentious conversations about critical issues, as we discussed at this conference, we hope to prepare them to play an important role in fostering understanding in our society. Spirited debate and respectful listening are hallmarks of not only our democracy but foundational elements of a liberal arts education.鈥� 鈥� Goucher College President Kent Devereaux

黑料传送门 黑料传送门

黑料传送门 is the world鈥檚 largest Jewish campus organization, serving more than 180,000 students and young adults each year on more than 850 college and university campuses. With 1,200 Hillel professionals supporting Jewish students in the U.S. and 15 other countries across the globe, Hillel is uniquely positioned to pursue its mission of enriching the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish future, and the world.

黑料传送门 American Jewish Committee (AJC)

AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. With headquarters in New York, 25 regional offices across the United States, 15 overseas posts, as well as partnerships with 38 Jewish community organizations worldwide, AJC鈥檚 mission is to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. For more, please visit .

黑料传送门 the American Council on Education (ACE)

ACE is a membership organization that leads higher education with a united vision for the future, galvanizing our members to make change and collaborating across the sector to design solutions for today鈥檚 challenges, serve the needs of a diverse student population, and shape effective public policy. As the major coordinating body for the nation鈥檚 colleges and universities, our strength lies in our diverse membership of more than 1,600 colleges and universities, related associations, and other organizations in America and abroad. ACE is the only major higher education association to represent all types of U.S. accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities. For more information, please visit or follow ACE on X (formerly known as Twitter) @ACEducation.

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News

Your Guide to Campus for All

Author

黑料传送门

Date

September 12, 2024

After a challenging school year for Jewish students on campus, it鈥檚 no surprise that students are wondering what kind of environment they鈥檙e returning to 鈥� or arriving at for the first time 鈥� this fall. From protests and encampments to vandalism and violence, Jewish college students across the country were subjected to serious incidents of antisemitism last year, leading many to feel unwelcome, excluded, and unsafe.

That鈥檚 where Hillel came in. to educate and empower students to take action against antisemitism, discrimination, and misinformation on campus, leading to a safer and more welcoming community for everyone. This new resource is designed to make sure students know their rights on campus, can identify 鈥� and report 鈥� antisemitism when it occurs, and have access to  trustworthy information in the conversation about Israel.

Here鈥檚 a look at what you can find on Campus for All, and how you can put those resources into action to stay safe and confident on campus.

Whether you鈥檙e trying to figure out how to respond to an antisemitic incident, hoping to connect to your supportive Jewish community on campus, or just need to talk with someone who gets it, we鈥檝e got you covered. Our resources are designed to provide you with tools to stand strong, find community, and take action with confidence. Take the , learn about your rights on campus, and find out how to get help 鈥� on campus or off.

What makes words or actions antisemitic? How do you respond when someone says something untrue about Israel? How can you know which news you should trust?

These are big questions, and answering them can be tough. None of this is simple 鈥� but we can help you work through misconceptions, get clarity on the facts, and start feeling more confident about what鈥檚 going on and what you can do to help make your campus a more welcoming space for all students. Check out facts about Israel, learn how to respond to misinformation, dive into explorations about media literacy and deciphering the news, and so much more.

Whether you feel like you鈥檙e still learning (and spoiler alert: we鈥檙e all still learning) or you鈥檝e got the tools you need to confront antisemitism and misinformation about Israel, you can support the Jewish community on your campus today. See how you can take action, find your community on campus, and make a difference.

You deserve to feel safe, confident, and supported on campus, and we have your back. Campus for All is here to help you take action against antisemitism, hate, discrimination, and misinformation by educating and empowering you to find support, connect to your communities, and stand up for your rights on campus. Let鈥檚 build a safer, more welcoming community for everyone this year 鈥� together.

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News

Free Legal Protection Helpline for College Students Received Requests Concerning 650+ Antisemitic Incidents on Campus

Author

黑料传送门

Date

September 2, 2024

Free legal helpline has gained pro bono support from 40+ law firms, 250+ individual practitioners since launching in November 2023


September 3, 2024 鈥� 黑料传送门, ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP today announced that the Campus Antisemitism Legal Line (CALL) has received more than 650 requests for assistance from university students across the country who experienced antisemitic harassment, violence or discrimination in the first nine months of the program.

Through CALL, lawyers from leading firms provide free assistance to students reporting antisemitic discrimination and hate by conducting in-depth information-gathering interviews and offering pro bono representation in cases of violations of students鈥� civil rights under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Since CALL鈥檚 launch, nearly 100 attorneys from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and 40 other law firms fielded students鈥� requests for help. More than 250 individual practitioners also volunteered their time to support Jewish students. 

Examples of CALL鈥檚 work on behalf of students include: 

• Providing legal support to a Jewish student at the who was verbally harassed and physically assaulted because he was supportive of Israel and the hostages taken in the Hamas attack on Oct. 7. 
• After Jewish students attending The Ohio State University were assaulted, CALL worked with Jewish partner organizations to file a
• As a result of a CALL intake, ADL and the Brandeis Center filed a alleging the Pomona College administration failed to protect Jewish students as anti-Israel organizations held on-campus protests in violation of college regulations  that resulted in physical violence, intimidation, and occupation of campus buildings.
• CALL drafted a to Princeton University leadership condemning the use of no-contact orders to silence a Jewish student journalist trying to report on anti-Israel protests. This led Princeton to change its policy so that these no-contact orders could no longer be issued under such circumstances and affirmed that the student would not face consequences for her journalism.

鈥淎s antisemitism on campus skyrockets, CALL is making a difference in the lives of Jewish students every day by providing outstanding legal support to fight harassment and  bigotry,鈥� said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director. 鈥淐ALL empowers students to take action and push back against those who perpetrate and enable hate on their campus.鈥�

So far, CALL has received a wide variety of antisemitic incident reports including physical assaults; in-person and online harassment; exclusion from student organizations and other educational opportunities on campus; harassment, discrimination, and improper political indoctrination from professors in the classroom;  protestors who confront and harass Jewish and Israeli students on campus; vandalism and unauthorized removal of hostage and pro-Israel posters on campus; disruptions of regular classroom instruction and events sponsored by Jewish and pro-Israel organizations; and retaliatory bad faith complaints filed against Jewish students through universities鈥� internal grievance processes.

鈥淲e know that addressing the scourge of antisemitism requires a multifaceted approach, and I am proud of the critical role that the Campus Antisemitism Legal Line has played during the past year,鈥� said Adam Lehman, president and CEO of 黑料传送门. 鈥淎s a complement to our broader work supporting Jewish life on campus and addressing antisemitism, CALL offers an essential tool for Jewish students to get the help they need from leading legal experts to protect their civil rights.鈥�

Recognizing the mounting concerns about the upcoming school year, the CALL helpline remains ready to assist and support Jewish students who face antisemitic incidents on campus. Students, family members, faculty, or staff members can go to the or text 鈥淐ALLhelp鈥� to 51555 to report incidents of antisemitic discrimination, intimidation, harassment, vandalism, or violence that may necessitate legal action.

鈥淭he law is a powerful motivator and an essential tool in the effort to combat antisemitism and protect Jewish students from harassment and discrimination on campus,鈥� said Alyza D. Lewin, president of the Brandeis Center. 鈥淭hrough CALL, we have educated students on their legal rights, demanded universities meet their legal obligations, and perhaps most importantly, come together as a community in strength to empower and protect our students. They know that if they have the courage and confidence to wear their Jewish identity proudly, and they come under attack for that, we will have their back.鈥�  

During the 2023-2024 academic year, colleges and universities saw more than 1,400 antisemitic incidents on campuses 鈥� by far the highest number of antisemitic incidents in a single school year ever on record according to ADL and 黑料传送门 tracking. Following the Oct. 7 attack, a found that 73 percent of Jewish college students and 44 percent of non-Jewish students experienced or witnessed antisemitism on their campuses last fall.

“We鈥檙e grateful to be part of this important effort to help victims of campus antisemitism. Gibson Dunn is committed to combating antisemitism and all forms of hate and intolerance,鈥� said Barbara Becker, Gibson Dunn Chair and Managing Partner.

CALL鈥檚 supporting organizations include Alpha Epsilon Phi, Alpha Epsilon Pi, the American Jewish Committee, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Jewish on Campus, the Jewish Federations of North America, JGO: The Jewish Grad Organization (formerly JGSI), the Israel on Campus Coalition, the Israeli-American Council, Masa, Olami, the OU Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus, Sigma Alpha Mu, Sigma Delta Tau, and Zeta Beta Tau. 

A separate legal helpline providing pro bono legal assistance to parents whose children are experiencing antisemitism in California鈥檚 K-12 schools is run by the Brandeis Center, ADL, and StandWithUs, along with four leading law firms. Parents and other interested adults in California can report incidents of antisemitic discrimination, intimidation, harassment, vandalism or violence occurring in K-12 schools to the . 

黑料传送门 ADL
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is 鈥渢o stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.鈥� Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all. More at.

黑料传送门 黑料传送门
Founded in 1923, Hillel has been impacting the lives of Jewish college students for 100 years. Today, 黑料传送门 is a global organization that welcomes students of all backgrounds and fosters an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel. As the largest Jewish student organization in the world, Hillel builds connections with students at more than 850 colleges and universities. During their formative college years, students are inspired to explore, experience, and create vibrant Jewish lives.

黑料传送门 the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law
The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law is an independent, unaffiliated, nonprofit corporation established to advance the civil and human rights of the Jewish people and promote justice for all. LDB engages in research, education, and legal advocacy to combat the resurgence of anti-Semitism on college and university campuses, in the workplace, and elsewhere. It empowers students by training them to understand their legal rights and educates administrators and employers on best practices to combat racism and anti-Semitism. The Brandeis Center is not affiliated with the Massachusetts university, the Kentucky law school, or any of the other institutions that share the name and honor the memory of the late U.S. Supreme Court justice. More at www.brandeiscenter.com.

黑料传送门 Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is a leading international law firm.聽 Consistently ranking among the world鈥檚 top law firms in industry surveys and major publications, Gibson Dunn is distinctively positioned in today鈥檚 global marketplace with more than 1,900 lawyers and 21 offices, in Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Brussels, Century City, Dallas, Denver, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Munich, New York, Orange County, Palo Alto, Paris, Riyadh, San Francisco, Singapore, and Washington, D.C.聽For more information on Gibson Dunn, please visit the firm’s .

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News

Hillel鈥檚 Back-to-School Playbook

Author

Adam Lehman

Date

August 8, 2024

on August 7, 2024.

At Hillel, we celebrated our 100th anniversary during the 2023-2024 academic year. It was a record-setting year for us, during which more college students and young adults participated in Jewish life experiences through Hillel than ever before 鈥� more than 180,000 in total. At the same time, it was unfortunately also a record-setting year relative to antisemitism on our college campuses. Growing from pervasive campaigns to demonize and delegitimize Israel, we recorded more cases of Jewish students being harassed, intimidated, threatened, subjected to vandalism, and even assaulted than ever before. In fact, these instances of antisemitism on college campuses grew by 700% from the prior year (which had represented the then-record level). 

With most students on break during the summer months, we haven鈥檛 been as consumed with troubleshooting the nearly 2,000 antisemitic incidents that required our focused attention during the prior academic year. However, 黑料传送门 we have decidedly not been 鈥渙n break鈥�. Instead, we鈥檝e used this brief period to do everything we can to prepare for the new academic year, focusing our efforts in four key areas:

First, we are investing in visible, joyful, and meaningful opportunities for Jewish college students to come together at the start of the school year. Hillels will be 鈥渟upersizing鈥� our many welcome events and programs – 鈥淔reshFests鈥� for incoming students, opening Shabbat dinners, welcome barbecues, and hundreds of other back-to-school events. After the many challenges and issues of the past year, we want to ensure that Jewish students have robust opportunities to express their Jewish identities with pride and joy, on campus, and beyond. 

Second, we are taking the steps within our control to prepare for the inevitable protests and other disruptions that will impact the new school year. Since universities hold the primary authority to regulate campus activities, 黑料传送门, together with other leading Jewish and educational organizations, recently issued clear guidance to universities on the steps we expect them to take in strengthening, promoting and, most importantly, enforcing codes of conduct for students, staff, and faculty. We鈥檙e also creating a new, online student toolkit to educate Jewish students about their rights and share available resources and contacts they can call on when issues arise. And we鈥檝e been convening our campus-based Hillel professionals throughout the summer to prepare and equip them to play their critical roles in supporting and advocating for their students. These include our growing cadre of Jewish Agency Israel Fellows, who bring unique perspective to campus for both Israel education and addressing and countering efforts to demonize and delegitimize Israel.

Third, we鈥檙e continuing our work to address the systemic factors that have failed many Jewish students. We鈥檒l be co-hosting a fall College and University Presidents Summit on Antisemitism, bringing together university leaders from across higher education to focus on fixing what鈥檚 broken at their institutions when it comes to allowing hostile and discriminatory environments for Jewish students to persist. This summer, we鈥檝e already trained hundreds of university administrators on the nature of contemporary antisemitism so they can implement policy changes that better address this unique form of discrimination and bias. And we continue to hold universities accountable for their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, through the , and our ongoing advocacy with the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education. We鈥檙e also pursuing a new wave of efforts to build bridges with other communities on campus in order to contribute to healing the major ruptures that emerged last academic year 鈥� through expanded interfaith and intergroup programs, and skill-building for our professionals and student leaders in mediating dialogue across difference. 

Fourth, we are preparing for the full range of social, educational, community service, leadership development, wellness, and ritual experiences that represent the core of Hillel鈥檚 work. While not as likely to garner media attention, the daily, core work of Hillel professionals in supporting and empowering students through these meaningful and joyful experiences and relationships is critical to the overall campus experience and well-being of the students we鈥檙e privileged to serve.

Simply put, we will be pursuing every possible avenue we can to ensure a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for Jewish students during the upcoming academic year.

Adam Lehman is the President and CEO of 黑料传送门, the largest Jewish campus organization in the world.

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News

Majority of Jewish College Students Say They Feel Less Safe Due to Encampments; 61% Report Antisemitism During Campus Protests

Author

黑料传送门

Date

May 13, 2024

New poll from 黑料传送门 measures Jewish student experiences聽as commencements begin

WASHINGTON 鈥� A majority of Jewish college students feel less safe because of anti-Israel protests and encampments at their school, and report the use of antisemitic, threatening or derogatory language toward Jewish students during those protests. As commencements begin on campuses across the country, a majority of Jewish students are concerned that protests and encampments will disrupt graduation ceremonies, with nearly three-in-four saying they want schools to remove the encampments and/or protests to eliminate the possibility of disruption to commencement and graduation.

Jewish students also say that campus protests and encampments have had a detrimental impact on their ability to learn, study, and even attend class. 6 in 10 Jewish students (58%) say the encampments have made it more difficult for them to learn, study or concentrate. And more than half (51%) have had their classes canceled, interrupted, moved to Zoom, or been blocked from attending.

The new survey was conducted on behalf of 黑料传送门, the largest Jewish campus organization with a presence on more than 850 campuses worldwide. Hillel has tracked nearly 1,600 incidents of campus antisemitism since October 7 alone, including assaults, vandalism and hate speech, with more than 400 of those incidents targeting individual students. In just a single week, a has garnered nearly 30,000 signatures.

鈥淛ewish students, and all students, deserve to pursue their education and celebrate their graduations free from disruption, antisemitism, and hate,鈥� said Adam Lehman, president and CEO of 黑料传送门. 鈥淥ur findings demonstrate that a majority of Jewish students surveyed have experienced bias and discrimination in their classroom and academic experiences based on faculty and staff abusing their authority in support of the rule-breaking and unlawful anti-Israel encampments and protests. University leaders are legally required to address these hostile and discriminatory conditions, and we will continue to insist that they do so for the benefit of Jewish students and all students.鈥�

The survey was conducted by Benenson Strategy Group from May 6 to May 8 and included 15-minute interviews with 310 Jewish students. The margin of error is 5%. The full topline data can be viewed . Key findings include:

• 61% of Jewish students say there has been antisemitic, threatening or derogatory language toward Jewish people during protests at their school
• 63% of Jewish students feel less safe because of the protests and 58% feel less safe because of the encampments
• 72% want schools to remove the encampments and/or protesters to eliminate the possibility of disruption to commencement or graduation
• 40% have felt the need to hide their Jewish identity from others on campus

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