Recent News Updates

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.”