This looks like a great opportunity for Jewish high school students who enjoy writing! Visit freshinkforteens.com/write-for-us/ for more information. 

Did you know that at some universities Hillel offers a special freshmen orientation program for incoming Jewish students? This can be a great way to move in early and meet new friends before the semester begins! While things may look different this year because of Covid, check out a few examples of FreshFest programs planned for 2021:

• Northeastern University
• Syracuse University 
• University of Southern California 
• University of Miami

"Letter Protests Starting Fall Classes During Rosh Hashanah (Inside HigherEd) - "Jewish leaders wrote to the University of Wisconsin system leadership asking the system to direct six UW campuses that plan to commence their fall semesters during the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah to move their start dates."

When their season was cancelled by COVID, these college athletes found faith off the field (The Forward) - "Into that void entered a campus rabbi [at Emory University] who recruited athletes to an online educational program as a way to pass the time during quarantine."

The upside of a pandemic gap year (Washington Jewish Week) - "Rather than being disheartened by a year of differences and some angst, many students from the Washington area who spent a gap year or gap semester in Israel are energized and enthusiastic, especially after reveling in the post-Passover period, when most Israeli restrictions were lifted — many weeks ahead of the United States."

Portland Bagel Shop and Jewish Deli Coming to the College Area (Eater San Diego) - "Hailing originally from Portland, Jewish deli Ben & Esther’s, is expanding south to San Diego, starting in the College East neighborhood." 

Harvard Police Investigating Vandalism of Jewish Center After Window Smashed, Palestinian Flag Zip-Tied to Door (The Algemeiner) - "Rabbi Jonah C. Steinberg of Harvard Hillel confirmed on Tuesday that Harvard University Police Department were investigating two acts of vandalism targeting the Jewish group’s Reisman Center in the Rosovsky Hall campus building."

Young Zionist Jews say they’re fighting antisemitism on social media. What are they accomplishing? (Jewish Telegraphic Agency) - "But after weeks of fighting over Israel and Judaism on Twitter, TikTok and Instagram, those activists, and others who observe them, are asking whether the effort of combating antisemitism online, in real time, is winnable or worthwhile."

If you want to stay up-to-date with fun social events on campus, Instagram is the place to go! Check out these recent events at Drexel University, Clark University, University of Alabama, Kalamazoo College, Georgia Tech, and University of Chicago. From food trucks to free pickles to charcuterie boards -- free food seems to be a common theme!! ​

In sign of pandemic’s waning, first Birthright trip in a year lands in Israel (The Times of Israel) - “‘Dozens of trips are expected during May and June, with many more tour groups planned for July, August, and October,’ the organization said in a statement.”
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From Chalutzim (Pioneers) to Chaverim (Friends), why we decided to change our name (The Scarlet & Black - Grinnell College newspaper) - “This new name reflects our desire to create an accessible and welcoming Jewish community and we hope our name will signal to new, prospective and simply curious students the presence of a thriving Jewish community here at Grinnell College.”

Getting to know some of the class of 2021 (Cleveland Jewish News) - “Now looking ahead to futures beyond the pandemic and the next chapter of their lives, a handful of local graduates told the Cleveland Jewish News about how Judaism has impacted their school experiences, plans for the future and what they’ve learned along the way.”

Yale student groups may act as intervenors in affirmative action case (Yale Daily News) - “Hillel Student Board members say that the NAACP Legal Defense Fund is building a coalition of Yale student groups to intervene in Students For Fair Admissions’ lawsuit regarding Yale’s affirmative action practices. So far, Yale Hillel and the Black Student Alliance at Yale plan to get involved.”

Statue by Nazi artist no longer on display at St. Mary’s College (The Jewish News of Northern California) - “In late February, after learning about von Graevenitz’s past, three St. Mary’s students created a petition that called for the removal of the statue, located in the courtyard of the college’s Museum of Art.”

Young Jewish Americans rocked by new hate fueled by Israel-Palestinian conflict (CNN) - “The violence in Israel and in Gaza was the most deadly since 2014 and was the first time many students have faced the anti-Jewish sentiments that are often attached to opposition to actions by the Israeli government.”

Statement by 2 Rutgers officials on anti-Semitism spurs criticism, an apology and response from college president (NJ.com) - “Holloway issued a strongly-worded statement, clarifying the university’s position and addressing critics who said the university should not apologize for condemning anti-Semitism.”

Hundreds of Princeton Faculty, Students Sign Letter Opposing Israel's 'Jewish Supremacy' (Newsweek) - “The letter, which appeared in the independent student newspaper, the Daily Princetonian, was titled ‘Princeton University community statement of solidarity with the Palestinian people.’”

US campuses become a growing front in Israeli-Palestinian conflict (The Guardian) - “Pro-Palestinian students are increasingly visible at US colleges but face well-funded opposition from supporters of Israel.”

Jewish community feels targeted by second act of vandalism, hate after flags stolen from Hillel Center (WBDJ in Roanoke, VA) - “Over the weekend, someone stole a Virginia Tech and an Israeli flag from along the sidewalk leading to the Malcom Rosenberg Hillel Center.”

Gaza Conflict Stokes ‘Identity Crisis’ for Young American Jews (New York Times) - “A new generation is confronting the region’s longstanding conflict in a very different context, with very different pressures, from their parents’ and grandparents’ generations.”

Run by the American Jewish Committee (AJC), Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) is an educational program empowering Jewish high school teens to give them the tools to be global advocates in diplomacy as they address the critical issues like antisemitism and how to create peaceful ways to discuss challenging topics. The goal of the LFT program is to ensure students begin college with knowledge, tools, and confidence to engage in ongoing dialogue with their peers on campus, and to think critically about global issues. 
 
The LFT program will consist of seven sessions from November – May.  During the 2021-2022 school year, LFT will be in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New England (Boston), New Jersey (state-wide), New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Westchester/Fairfield.
More information can be found at https://www.ajc.org/lftinfo, and students can apply directly at AJC.org/LFT/app2021.    

See below for recent interviews with Jordan, Syracuse '20, and Julia, Univ. of Rochester '22.