News

eJP: Are We Talking About 1948, 1967 or Oct. 7, 2023: Understanding Campus Conversations About Israel

Author

Jonathan Falk

Date

July 29, 2025

Originally published on July 25, 2025 in eJewish Philanthropy, “Are We Talking About 1948, 1967 or Oct. 7, 2023: Understanding Campus Conversations About Israel,” sorts Israel-related conversation on campus into three distinct types. Written by Vice President of Hillel International’s Israel Action and Addressing Antisemitism Program Jon Falk, this piece offers a new framework for understanding dialogues about Israel. Read on for selected excerpts:

“On college campuses across the country, conversations about Israel are louder and more emotionally charged than ever. And amid the protests, student government resolutions and classroom disputes, it may be easy to miss a fundamental disconnect: Not everyone is having the same conversation.

In fact, I believe there are three different conversations about Israel playing out in parallel and unless we name them clearly, we risk misunderstanding each other entirely.

The first is what I call ‘the 1948 conversation.’ This is not a debate about borders or policies; it’s a debate about Israel’s existence. It centers on the very legitimacy of a Jewish state, and whether Israel should have been created in the first place. This discussion is rooted in the events surrounding Israel’s founding and it’s where many of the most hostile anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric manifests. Here, false and offensive terms like ‘settler-colonialism,’ ‘globalize the intifada,’ and ‘genocide’ replace facts and nuance. The conversation is not about how to achieve peace; it’s about denying the right of the Jewish people to self-determination 

The second is ‘the 1967 conversation.’ This is where most American Jews and most people committed to peace tend to focus. It’s a conversation about what a lasting resolution to today’s conflict could look like, acknowledging the Jewish people’s right to a homeland and affirming the Palestinian people’s right to one too. Students and faculty engaged in this topic ask hard questions about borders, security, and coexistence. This conversation is informed by decades of peace negotiations, from the Oslo Accords to Annapolis. It’s a conversation about how to move forward, not whether Israel should exist…

For much of the last two decades, the debate on campus oscillated between 1967 and 1948, between questions of policy and questions of legitimacy. But since Oct. 7, 2023, a third conversation has emerged. I call this one ‘the 10/7 conversation.’

This is not a conversation about Israel’s borders or even its existence. It is about American Jews being targeted because of their real or perceived connection to Israel. It’s a conversation rooted in blame, in guilt by association, in the dangerous idea that Jews anywhere are responsible for the actions of Israel’s government or military. And it has led to an alarming rise in hate: Jewish students blocked from going to class, faculty using classroom power to shame Jewish identity and synagogues and Jewish institutions under threat…

Naming the 1948, 1967 and now 10/7 conversations for what they are can help all of us better support college students and ensure we’re equipping them with the insight and resilience they need.

Not every discussion about Israel is the same. Some are about how to build a better future. Others are about the existence of the Jewish state. And some are about whether Jews anywhere are safe at all. As we prepare to support students navigating these questions in the new school year, let’s be clear about which conversation we’re having, and why it matters.”

Jon Falk is the vice president of Hillel International’s Israel Action and Addressing Antisemitism Program. He leads teams that support campus Hillels in navigating and responding to antisemitic incidents and anti-Israel activity as well as celebrating, advocating for, and educating about Israel.

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News

Hillel International Announces Largest Scholarship Awards in its History for Upcoming School Year

Author

Hillel International

Date

July 24, 2025

Hillel International will award college scholarships to more than 60 Jewish students totaling nearly $350,000 this fall across the U.S. and Canada.

Washington, D.C. – Hillel International, the world’s largest Jewish campus organization, today announced the recipients of its 2025 Student Leadership Scholarships. The organization will award nearly $350,000 to more than 60 students across 12 scholarship categories, representing the largest cohort of scholarship recipients in the program’s history.

Scholarships are merit-based, with factors including academic excellence, community service, Jewish connection, first-generation college enrollment, and family need factoring into the selection process. Past and current scholarship recipients include advocates for rare disease research, data analysts in the Israeli Intelligence Corps, leaders of peer counseling groups, humanitarian aid drivers in Ukraine, and founders of children’s literacy programs.

Hillel International’s scholarship program was founded just five years ago, with four recipients receiving a total of $16,000 in 2020. Since then, Hillel International has dramatically expanded its annual scholarship program for Jewish students by over $300,000 per year, and will disburse more than $1 million in scholarship funds over the next three years. This significant increase in Hillel student scholarships comes at a time of rising participation and engagement in Hillel programs and services — a record-setting 185,000 student participants last school year — and increased antisemitism on college campuses, as well as rising tuition costs.

The majority of Hillel scholarships are renewable annually until the student graduates, and they range from $3,000 to $18,000 annually per scholarship, supporting a wide array of students from incoming college first-years to graduate students. 

“We are exceptionally proud to support these Jewish student leaders who are not only excelling academically but are also committed to becoming leaders in their Jewish and campus communities,” said Hillel International President and CEO Adam Lehman. “Their dedication, talent, and resilience give us tremendous hope for the future of Jewish life on campus.“

This scholarship program reinforces the organization’s continued commitment to fostering community for Jewish students on campus and continuing to make college more accessible for those at the forefront of Jewish student leadership. The 2025 recipients attend universities across the country and represent diverse backgrounds and academic pursuits.

The full list of recipients this year is as follows:

Aronson Fussman Excellence Scholarship: $18,000 Renewable

• Alek Golubchik, Los Angeles, California, University of Pennsylvania
• Samantha Rose, Short Hills, New Jersey, Duke University
• Tal Appel, Israel, Columbia University

Louis E. Rabinowitz Scholarship: $5,000 Renewable

• Emma Goldman, Atlanta, Georgia, The Citadel
• David Brandin, Columbia, South Carolina, Clemson University
• Brian Cohn, Norfolk, Virginia, University of South Carolina

Frimer First Generation Student Scholarship: $5,000 Renewable

• Jonathan Adler, Las Vegas, Nevada, Yale University

Ellen B. Fuhr Scholarship: $5,000 Renewable

• Katherine Reshetnikov, Queens, New York, Hunter College
• Leah Tamayev, New York City, New York, Hunter College
• Anna Barteck, New York City, New York, Hunter College
• Laura Elliott, New York, Hunter College (Fall 2024 recipient)
• * Two additional students were awarded this scholarship in Fall 2024

Behrman Campus Leadership Award: $5,000 Renewable

• Daniel Hutman, Silver Spring, Maryland, University of Maryland, College Park

Paulson Leadership Award for Jewish CUNY Students: $4,000 Renewable

• Yuval Vine Molco, Israel, Baruch College
• Samuel Reingold, Brooklyn, New York, Baruch College
• Alice Virovlyansky, New York City, New York, Baruch College
• Aidan Herzlinger, Old Bridge, New Jersey, Baruch College
• Becky Halfon, Brooklyn, New York, Brooklyn College
• Yael Dahan, Los Angeles, California, Brooklyn College
• Nitzan Naim, Rosh Haayin, Israel, Brooklyn College
• Sarah Vidal, Brooklyn, New York, City College of New York
• Benjamin Lesczynski, Manhattan, New York, City College of New York
• Daniel Chernov, Staten Island, New York, College of Staten Island
• Mika Feintuch, Haifa, Israel, Hunter College
• Keira Kepets, Teaneck, New Jersey, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
• Ziv Nachshon, Queens, New York, Queens College
• Maya Harpaz, Kew Gardens, New York, Queens College
• Gavriel Zahler, Long Island, New York, Queens College
• Avishai Aghelian, Queens, New York, Queens College

Jules and Gwen Knapp First Generation Student Scholarship: $3,000 Renewable

• Liane Barak, Boca Raton, Florida, The University of Miami

Jules and Gwen Knapp Campus Leadership Award: $3,000 Renewable

• Ninnette Jalfon, Katy, Texas, The University of Texas at Austin

Lilly E. Reiser Graduate Student Award: $5,000 One-Time

• Rachel Benaim-Abudarham, Boca Raton, Florida, Florida Atlantic University

Jordan and Elise Levin Scholarship for Jewish Enrichment and Education: $5,000 One-Time

• Julia Rose Weiss, Closter, New Jersey, University of Richmond
• Noa Kizhnerman, Queens, New York, Purdue University
• Elias Cohen, Panama, New York University

Jack and Harriet Kudine First-Year Student Scholarship: $5,000 One-Time

• Zoe Lazar, Ocean Township, New Jersey, Virginia Tech University
• Tova Rosenbaum, Pasadena, California, University of California, Los Angeles
• Aviya Madar, Brooklyn, New York, Harvard University

Sandy and Jack Cohen Scholarship: $5,000 One-Time

• Melissa Simplicio Silva, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, New York University

For anyone looking to learn more about contributing to Hillel International’s scholarship efforts, please contact our Senior Director of planned giving Charles M. Miller, JD, AEP® at cmiller@hillel.org or 202.449.6529.

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JTA: Antisemitic Assaults and Vandalism Are Down on Campuses But Online Bullying Is Up, Hillel Finds

Author

Grace Gilson (JTA)

Date

July 17, 2025

Originally published on July 17, 2025 in the Jewish Telegraph Agency (JTA), “Antisemitic Assaults and Vandalism Are Down on Campuses But Online Bullying Is Up, Hillel Finds,” covers the overall increase of antisemitic incidents on campus during the 2024-2025 academic year, and a shift from vandalism and violent incidents to online harassment. Read on for selected excerpts:

“The number of antisemitic assaults and acts of vandalism on college campuses fell sharply in the last school year, according to Hillel International.

But Hillel International said antisemitic incidents were still on the rise on college campuses overall, citing an increase in online harassment and bullying reported by Jewish students.

The organization said the trend might reflect more aggressive action on the part of universities to intervene on behalf of Jewish students and their advocates.

Adam Lehman, the president and CEO of Hillel International, said he believed that changes to improve the climate for Jewish students on college campuses were paying off.

‘Over the past year, many universities have made significant changes to better clarify and enforce their policies and codes of conduct, supported by our work with them to achieve these improvements,’ said Lehman in a statement. ‘When universities step up and enforce their rules, Jewish students and all students benefit from a safer, more inclusive campus environment.’

To collect the data, Hillel cross-references college and university bias reporting portals; reports from students; the Campus Antisemitism Legal Line; and ReportCampusHate.org, a joint project of Hillel, the Anti-Defamation League and the Secure Community Network, which coordinates security for Jewish institutions nationwide.”

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News

Antisemitic Incidents on Campus at Record High in Past School Year 

Author

Hillel International

Date

July 17, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Antisemitic incidents on college campuses reached their highest levels ever in the 2024-2025 school year, Hillel International, the world’s largest Jewish campus organization, announced today. A total of 2,334 incidents were reported, which is an increase of more than 500 incidents over the 2023-2024 academic year (1,853 incidents) and a ten-fold rise compared to the 2022-2023 year (289) – the last year before the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. 

Despite the overall increase in antisemitic activity on campus, the data reveals significant progress in several key areas. Incidents of assault decreased from a high of 50 in 2023-2024 to 32 in 2024-2025, and incidents of vandalism and graffiti declined by nearly 55 percent. The number of anti-Israel campus encampments dropped by 92 percent. 

The research also highlights a dramatic shift in the nature of antisemitic activity, with reported incidents of online harassment surging nearly 185 percent. Graduation disruptions also increased slightly this school year, with 37 disruptions or incidents, compared to 31 the year prior.

“All Jewish students should feel they belong on campus, but unfortunately, too often we’re seeing environments that make Jewish students feel excluded and threatened,” said Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International. “Over the past year, many universities have made significant changes to better clarify and enforce their policies and codes of conduct, supported by our work with them to achieve these improvements. When universities step up and enforce their rules, Jewish students and all students benefit from a safer, more inclusive campus environment.”

In response to the ongoing issues, Hillel International expanded its comprehensive strategies to protect and support Jewish students, and increased the number of opportunities for Jewish students to convene in safe and joyful community experiences. These efforts include enhanced security initiatives and grants, growing partnerships with universities to improve their policies and practices, and expanded programs to educate students, faculty, and staff about the nature of contemporary antisemitism and how to prevent it. 

“While we’re encouraged by progress in some areas, any counting of incidents likely underrepresents the true scope of antisemitism, because many incidents go unreported – especially as they become normalized,” said Jon Falk, Vice President, Israel Engagement and Confronting Antisemitism at Hillel International. “We cannot allow this level of antisemitism to feel normal. That’s why we’re working on campuses every day, creating safe, inclusive, and vibrant communities for Jewish students everywhere.”

Methodology

Hillel International collects data about antisemitic incidents on campus through a number of sources, including college and university bias reporting portals, directly from students, through the Campus Antisemitism Legal Line (CALL), and ReportCampusHate.org, a joint project of Hillel International, the Anti Defamation League, and the Secure Community Network. The data is cross-referenced to ensure accuracy and thoroughness.

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News

Hillel International Announces 2025-2026 Student Cabinet

Author

Hillel International

Date

July 8, 2025

New Student Cabinet will strengthen Jewish life and student engagement across more than 850 campuses globally.

Washington, D.C. – Hillel International, the world’s largest Jewish campus organization, today announced the 20 members of the 2025-2026 Hillel International Student Cabinet. The selected students will collaborate with Hillel International’s professional staff and board leadership to advise on student experiences, represent diverse perspectives, and help shape innovative approaches that strengthen Jewish campus life for students worldwide. 

Selected through a highly competitive process, the 20 Cabinet members represent students at the more than 850 campuses Hillel serves worldwide, linking the student experience and organizational leadership. This year, eight universities are represented for the first time, and the 20 members hail from universities in six countries: Brazil, Germany, Canada, Israel, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“The Student Cabinet ensures that student voices remain at the core of everything we do at Hillel International,” said Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International. “The fresh perspective and ideas of these remarkable student leaders are invaluable as we work across the Hillel movement to foster meaningful opportunities for Jewish belonging, community, and leadership for all Jewish students.” 

Ariela Moel and Einav Tsach are serving as the incoming Cabinet’s co-chairs.

“Hillel is more than just a place for Jewish students to gather – it’s a place where they grow into who they’re meant to be,” said Ariela Moel, a member of the class of 2026 at the University of Southern California. “It’s an honor to take on this role and help make that kind of transformation possible – not just on my campus, but around the world – so every Jewish student can find their way home to themselves.” 

“So many Jewish students are feeling disconnected or unsure of where they fit in on campus,” said Einav Tsach, a member of the class of 2026 at the University of Maryland, College Park. “We want Hillel to be that space where every Jewish student feels they belong. This year, we’re hoping to really speak to what students need—whether that’s community, culture, or just a place to relax and be themselves.” 

Below is a full list of the 2025-2026 Hillel International Student Cabinet members. 

Cabinet Members: 

• Gabrielle Barsky-Giles, Queen’s University, ‘26
• Michal Berlove, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, ‘26
• Zoe Cosgrove, University of Michigan, ‘27
• Sydney Grossman, Vanderbilt University, ‘26 
• Hadley Kalson, University of Vermont, ‘26
• Kara Klaiman, University of Virginia, ‘26
• Rachel Lennard, University of Oregon, ‘27
• Sam Leschins, University of Florida, ‘26
• Matthew Levine, The Ohio State University, ‘26
• Mateen Markzar, Brown University, ‘26
• Kylie Miller, Roosevelt University, ‘26
• Ariela Moel, University of Southern California, ‘26
• Andrew Petlak, University of California, Berkeley, ‘26
• Sara Quintero, Northeastern University, London Campus, ‘26
• Michelle Rosner, University of Delaware, ‘26
• Ori Segev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, ‘26
• Elina Shikher, University of Potsdam, ‘26
• Benjamin Small, University of Pennsylvania, ‘27
• Marelo Topper, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, ‘27
• Einav Tsach, University of Maryland, ‘26

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News

The Algemeiner: New Fellowship Connects Jewish Students Across the World

Author

Dion J. Pierre (The Algemeiner)

Date

June 26, 2025

Originally published on June 19, 2025 in The Algemeiner, “New Fellowship Connects Jewish Students Across the World,” shares students’ experiences participating in the Matanel Fellowship, a collaboration spearheaded by Hillel Israel in partnership with, Hillel International and made possible by generous support of the Matanel Foundation. Jewish students from Israel, North America, and Europe collaborated on a year-long course of study to foster their connection and leadership, including a Shabbaton experience in Budapest, Hungary. Read on for selected excerpts:

“With antisemitism surging on college campuses across the Western world, [Hillel Israel], Hillel International and the Matanel Foundation have selected 15 Jewish students for a spot in the inaugural year of the Matanel Fellowship for Global Jewish Leadership, a 12-month program which aims to foster their ‘sense of responsibility’ for the worldwide Jewish community.

They have already created memories that will last a lifetime, Matanel Fellow and Barnard College student Yakira Galler told The Algemeiner during an interview.

‘So far, it’s been amazing. We’ve had three or four Zoom sessions and then we had our midway trip to Budapest,’ Galler said. ‘In our first day in Budapest, we explored both the history of the community, before the war and also under communism, and that was really interesting both because there is a specific type of Jewish sect in Hungary — the Neolog sect — which I had never heard of before. It was also really interesting because Theodor Herzl was born and raised in Budapest, which prompted me to reflect on what that means for this community and the immensity of the intellectual life within it.’

Forging ties between Jews around the globe has never been more important, said another Matanel Fellow, Avihu Sela of Tel-Hai College, located in northern Israel.

‘For me, connecting Jewish people around the world is something we need right now. I’m so happy that they did it, and now I have connections with Jewish people from an array of countries and cultures,’ Sela said. ‘When we all flew out [of] Budapest, it allowed us to have the really deep talk, and to be honest I went in with some deep concerns because I did not know how it would be there. When I arrived, and we did all the tours, exploring everything and seeing Jewish culture and learning about historic events, I felt deep inside that I am part of something so much bigger than myself.’

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News

Hillel International Announces Eighth Weinberg Accelerate Executive Advancement Program Cohort

Author

Hillel International

Date

May 21, 2025

Members of the eighth cohort will participate in an 18-month leadership development program focused on creating dynamic leaders within the Hillel movement.

 Today, Hillel International is announcing its eighth cohort of the Debra S. and Joseph S. Weinberg Accelerate Executive Advancement Program, its premier executive advancement experience. Through a combination of expert-led training, executive coaching, and hands-on leadership development, Accelerate cultivates the next generation of Hillel professionals. 

This year’s cohort was selected through a highly competitive process, with applicants from across the Hillel movement. Each participant was selected as a proven leader within Hillel, recognized for their dedication to strengthening Jewish life on campus, fostering community, and driving meaningful impact within their organizations

The eighth cohort includes the following Hillel professionals: 

• Ben Zeiger, Director of Student Engagement, Hillel at Stanford 
• Dawn Savage, Assistant Director, University of Maryland Hillel
• Elyse Wieskopf, Senior Director, Hillel TMU (Hillel Ontario)
• Jeffrey Levin, Senior Jewish Educator, Central Florida Hillel
• Jenna Ferman, Assistant Director, University of Pennsylvania Hillel
• Jordan Gerson, Chief Experience Officer, Washington University in St. Louis Hillel
• Michael Pollak, Assistant Director, Hillel at Kent State University
• Molly Goldmeier, Managing Director, Brown RISD Hillel
• Nicole Berne, Associate Director, Metro Chicago Hillel
• Rachael Cohen, Managing Director, USC Hillel
• Rachel Waldorf, Chief Experience Officer, University of Florida Hillel
• Shana Zionts, Associate Director, Columbia/Barnard Hillel – The Kraft Center for Jewish Life
• Zosia Jezierska Ostałowska, Operations & Finance Manager, Hillel Poland

“This cohort exemplifies the breadth of talent Hillel’s have recruited and fostered to carry out our global mission,” said Hillel International President and CEO Adam Lehman. “As Hillel continues to serve students in an increasingly complex higher education ecosystem, Accelerate provides opportunities for emerging Hillel leaders to develop the necessary skills and capacities to tackle challenges and capitalize on opportunities.”

Accelerate officially kicked off in February, and will run until August 2026 as the cohort undertakes this unparalleled opportunity to build the strategic, operational, and relational skills essential for executive leadership roles.

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News

Me and My Shadow: A Peer Learning Model Helps Leaders Grow

Author

Rabbi Ben Berger and Shuki Taylor

Date

May 15, 2025

Originally published on May 9, 2025 in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, “Me and My Shadow: A Peer Learning Model Helps Leaders Grow,” is written by Hillel International’s Senior Vice President for Education, Community, and Culture Rabbi Ben Berger and M²: The Institute for Experiential Jewish Education‘s Chief Executive Officer Shuki Taylor. Read on to learn more about a unique approach to professional development from Ben and Shuki.

Two nonprofit executives tried a different approach to professional development. Here are five key things they learned.

Professional development has long followed a predictable formula: Junior staff members learn from senior team leaders, managers enroll in structured programs, and organizations invest in top-down training efforts. These methods have their merits, but they often overlook one of the most powerful and underused tools for leadership growth — peer learning.

Job shadowing is typically seen as a tool for those early in their careers, an opportunity for emerging professionals to observe and absorb knowledge from those above them. But what happens when two senior leaders step into each other’s worlds to learn, not as mentors and mentees but as peers?

As leaders committed to professional development, we wanted to push beyond traditional models and try something different: peer shadowing on the job for high-level executives. Unlike mentorship programs or executive training, this wasn’t about following a curriculum or receiving instruction. There was no clear “teacher” or “student.” Instead, it was an immersive experience requiring international travel and a week outside of the office — no small commitment. But it allowed us to learn from each other with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to rethink how we lead.

Rooted in the Jewish tradition of havruta, a centuries-old model of paired learning that values both challenge and support, our experience revealed some critical insights that challenge many of the dominant assumptions about how professionals at the highest levels should grow. Here are five key things we learned.

The goal of partnership is mutual growth

Collaboration in leadership is often framed around achieving shared goals or outcomes, such as launching a joint initiative, securing funding, or driving a project forward. But true partnership isn’t only about what gets accomplished. It’s about how both parties grow in the process.

When we embarked on this peer-shadowing experience, we weren’t trying to build something tangible together. The value came from something deeper: seeing our own leadership through someone else’s eyes. Watching how another senior leader navigates challenges, engages with a team, and makes decisions forced us to reflect on our own habits and instincts in a way that traditional leadership training rarely does.

This idea is backed by studies on peer coaching in the military that show how structured peer relationships help leaders become more self-aware and open to new ways of thinking. For example, one of us left this experience rethinking how to best structure daily priorities after observing the other’s approach to calendars and task management. The lesson here wasn’t about overhauling a system but adopting subtle changes that helped us feel more proactive and less reactive in managing time and responsibilities.

We also explored real-time examples of how AI can be used to streamline tasks, brainstorm, and solve problems, which opened new possibilities that we’ve both integrated into our daily workflows with excitement and impact.

Even more unexpectedly, the experience shaped how we think about our lives outside the office. We both travel frequently for work, and a single conversation about how to explain that to young children — shifting the focus from absence to purpose — left a lasting impression. This simple reframing prompted both of us to be more intentional in how we communicate with our families the meaning behind our work and why it sometimes takes us away from home.

Professional development should be actively shaped

Leadership training often treats development as a passive process achieved by attending workshops, taking courses, or receiving mentorship. While these approaches have value, they reinforce the idea that learning is something to be absorbed rather than created.

When we set out on our peer-shadowing experience, we weren’t looking to be taught — we were looking to learn with each other. From the start, we aimed to create a shared learning opportunity in which both of our perspectives carried equal weight, mirroring the havruta model.

Instead of passively receiving insights, we actively shaped the experience in real time, making the learning more relevant, immediate, and deeply personal. One of the most meaningful parts of that process was taking time each evening to debrief. A simple check-in — “What are you noticing?” — led to reflections that revealed far more than either of us could have seen alone. Observations about how meetings unfolded, how listening happened (or didn’t), and how ideas were either affirmed or questioned became powerful points of reflection. These conversations helped surface patterns we weren’t always aware of and offered a rare chance to see ourselves, including our habits, instincts, and blind spots, through someone else’s eyes.

This kind of dynamic two-way learning is not only more engaging but more effective. Studies show that when people act as both teachers and learners, they gain deeper understanding and retain knowledge longer.

Outside perspectives fuel leadership growth

Leaders often work in environments in which they are expected to have answers — not questions — and where their habits, decision making, and leadership styles go largely unchallenged. Self-reflection is difficult in isolation, yet leadership requires self-awareness. Without external perspectives, blind spots remain hidden and opportunities for growth can be missed.

Peer shadowing on the job disrupts this cycle by providing a way to see one’s work through the eyes of another leader. When we committed to this experience, we knew we’d be stepping into unfamiliar territory, but we didn’t anticipate just how much it would challenge our own self-perceptions. Subtle but meaningful insights emerged, like how to better structure our time and tackle difficult conversations, such as explaining work-life balance to our children. These moments sparked deeper self-examination and led to more intentional leadership choices. This kind of outside perspective is rare for senior leaders, but it’s invaluable.

Authentic partnerships require trust and honest dialogue

Professional growth happens when leaders feel safe enough to be honest yet challenged enough to evolve, more than in carefully controlled environments. Peer learning works only when both parties commit to authenticity, setting aside egos and competition in favor of real, unfiltered exchange. This requires a foundation of trust and a willingness to be seen, not only as accomplished professionals but as leaders still refining their craft.

Our peer-shadowing experience wasn’t built on formal vetting or strategic alignment. It started with intuition, an instinct that there was something to learn from one another. Because of that, we were able to have vulnerable conversations about the challenges we face, from managing team dynamics to making high-stakes decisions. Over the course of the week, we explored several early-stage concepts each of us was developing. Discussing them revealed things we had overlooked, surfaced new connections, and, at least in one case, unlocked a shift in perspective that has shaped every discussion since. The ability to let go of perfection and invite real feedback made this experience far more valuable than any leadership seminar could be.

Generosity fosters deeper collaboration and shared success

Leadership can often feel isolating, especially in industries where competition — whether for funding, talent, or influence — is ever-present. Too often, leaders keep insights and strategies to themselves, fearing that openness could weaken their position. But true leadership involves sharing knowledge in ways that strengthen the entire field.

Our peer-shadowing experience challenged the instinct to guard our work. Rather than keeping internal strategies private, we openly shared our approaches to leadership, fundraising, decision making, and problem solving in our roles. This helped deepen our collective understanding of what it means to lead. And though it wasn’t our original intention, that openness led to something unexpected: We began co-creating some new initiatives together. It’s the kind of collaboration that simply wouldn’t have happened in a more guarded or competitive setting.

This mindset of generosity didn’t dilute our influence; it strengthened it. By offering transparency, we built trust, gained new outlooks, and walked away with fresh programs and strategies that benefited both of our organizations.

Leadership is a shared journey

Peer shadowing helped us remember that lasting growth happens when we step beyond our own expertise and invite the fresh perspectives of those who walk the leadership path alongside us. When senior leaders embrace learning as a dynamic, reciprocal experience rather than a fixed destination, they don’t just become better at what they do — they cultivate a professional culture of curiosity, generosity, and continuous evolution.

Ben Berger is Sr. Vice President for Education, Community, and Culture at Hillel International.

Shuki Taylor is Chief Executive Officer at M²: The Institute for Experiential Jewish Education.

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News

JTA: How the Global Hillel Movement Connects Jewish Communities Across Continents

Author

Dr. Josh Hartman

Date

May 7, 2025

Originally published on May 6, 2025 in the Jewish Telegraph Agency (JTA), “How the Global Hillel Movement Connects Jewish Communities Across Continents,” is written by Hillel International’s Associate Vice President of Immersive Experiences and Lead of Global Operations Dr. Josh Hartman. Read on to learn more about Hillel communities around the world.

Cleaning up beaches near Rio de Janeiro and learning about Jewish environmental values. Connecting with Jewish study abroad students in London. Discovering the richness and plurality of Jewish traditions at Israeli cultural centers from Haifa to Sderot. Exploring the intersection of art and Jewish identity in Berlin. And helping Jewish students rebuild, physically and emotionally, after bombings in war-torn Ukraine.

What do these experiences have in common?

They’re all possible because of the global Hillel movement. In fact, Hillel International’s expansive infrastructure enriches the lives of Jewish students and young adults around the world on nearly a thousand campuses and in communities internationally. 

Outside of the United States, there are more than 50 Hillels with vibrant hubs in Argentina, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, France, Georgia, Germany, Israel, Moldova, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, and Uruguay. With a presence in 16 countries across four continents — spanning 20 time zones and operating in more than 10 languages — tens of thousands of students and young adults engage with Hillel from outside of North America. 

And it’s easy to understand why.

Hillel is about bringing young Jewish adults together, wherever they are, to connect the global Jewish community. That shared connection unites young Jewish people all around the world, whether they’ve grown up immersed in Jewish culture and speaking Hebrew, like many of the Hillel Israel participants, or they’ve only just learned about their Jewish identity, like some of the young people in Hillel Poland. Just like on North American campuses, where Hillel focuses on paving a pathway for college students to celebrate and participate in Jewish life, international Hillels around the world are meeting Jewish young adults where they are by creating experiences that help them explore their Jewish identity, deepen their sense of belonging, and actively shape their communities.

Just like in the United States and Canada, Hillel’s global communities focus on providing a Jewish home away from home. Earlier this spring, Hillel International hosted an event in London for students who are studying abroad, away from their home countries, and far from their local Hillels and Jewish campus communities. The first-ever Hillel Global Social gave them an opportunity to celebrate Purim and to experience Jewish joy with over 100 Jewish students studying throughout Europe. People walked away with new friends, with a place to go for Shabbat dinner the following weekend, and with plans to attend JDC Entwine’s Global Campus gathering in Krakow as a group.

Everyone wants more connection and a feeling of belonging as part of a welcoming community, and that’s where Hillel’s programming thrives.

Unlike most North American Hillels, many international Hillels are affiliated with cities, rather than with colleges or universities. But just like no two college campuses are alike, every international Hillel has its own unique character and programming, developed in order to best serve their communities. 

For example, Jewish students in Israel speak Hebrew, follow the Jewish calendar, and spend most of their time with other Jews. Yet many of them are still looking for a stronger connection to Jewish tradition. Hillel Israel gives them opportunities to build that connection through Jewish pluralism and peoplehood. They participate in exchange programs, help lead immersive trips to meet Jewish students visiting from other countries, and learn about the many different ways people express their Jewish identity and values.

On the other side of the world, Hillels in Latin America (with centers in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay) are focused on investing in the growth of Jewish young adults, regardless of how they practice their Judaism. South American Hillels provide professional and personal opportunities such as social action projects, Israel advocacy, business clubs, and entrepreneurship. In Argentina, where Jewish young adults often have very close ties to Israel and Zionism, Hillel offers a chance to connect to other Jews around the world outside of Argentina and Israel.

Hillels in Germany, Poland, and Russia, as well as those in Central Asia and Southeastern Europe, have very different populations. Circumstances like decades of systemic antisemitism, the impacts of World War II, and the dangers to Jewish communities under communist-led governments have led many of today’s Jewish young adults to discover their ties to Judaism as older children or teenagers because their Jewish identities were hidden by previous generations for their own safety. In fact, about 70% of Hillel Poland participants were raised without any knowledge of their Jewish heritage. For these young people, participating in Hillel may be their first opportunity to experience Jewish life, traditions, and community. 

Even amid destruction and tragedy — three Hillel centers in Ukraine have been destroyed by rocket fire in the current war, and have yet to be fully rebuilt — Hillel is engaging more participants than ever, and providing meaningful opportunities, education, and services to its student-age population and, in some cases, to the elderly and others.

Whether a student lives in Houston or Haifa, Toronto or Tbilisi, Baltimore or Berlin, young Jewish adults around the world are seeking meaningful connection with one another. And with Hillel, they’re building relationships throughout and beyond their communities, cities, and even countries. They’re all part of one diverse, amazing global community — and no matter what Jewish young adults need, Hillel will be there every step of the way.

The post JTA: How the Global Hillel Movement Connects Jewish Communities Across Continents appeared first on Hillel International.

News

WJW: Jewish College Students Pack University of Maryland for National Hillel Basketball Tournament

Author

Isaac Shiner (Washington Jewish Week)

Date

April 9, 2025

Originally published on April 8, 2025 in the Washington Jewish Week, “Jewish College Students Pack University of Maryland for National Hillel Basketball Tournament,” written by Washington Jewish Week intern Isaac Shiner, is a joy-filled recap of the 2025 National Hillel Basketball Tournament which brought together over 1,500 Jewish students for a weekend of community and basketball.  

Maryland Hillel became the center of excitement and community this past weekend as more than 1,500 Jewish college students gathered for the 13th annual National Hillel Basketball Tournament. The weekend was not just about competition; it was a celebration of Jewish identity and connection.

The tournament brought 445 Jewish athletes from more than 30 campuses across the country, turning the University of Maryland’s gymnasiums into hubs of Jewish connections and competitive basketball.

“They get to compete, playing a game they love,” Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International, said. “They get to build relationships with other Jewish students coming from across North America, and they get to celebrate what it means to be Jewish and be passionate about other interests that intersect with their Jewish identities.”

Lehman emphasized the student-driven nature of the event.

“NHBT also demonstrates the beautiful equation where students who design experiences that reflect their passions, in turn, are very involved in benefiting from those exact programs,” Lehman said.

While basketball was the centerpiece, the weekend was filled with other festivities as well, from a Thursday night mixer at a local bar to Shabbat prayers and meals hosted at Maryland Hillel. A team from the University of Pittsburgh claimed the men’s Tier 1 Championship, while a team from Yeshiva University claimed the title on the women’s side, capping off a competitive weekend of tournament play on Sunday.

The tournament opened Friday morning with seeding games. Each team faced off against three opponents to determine rankings for bracket play. In total, 44 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams competed across seven brackets — five for men and two for women — representing schools such as Drexel University; Indiana University; John Hopkins University; University of California, Los Angeles; University of Illinois; and many more.

Men’s Tier 1 semifinalists included teams from University of Pittsburgh, University of Michigan, Duke University and Brandeis University. On the women’s side, teams from Yeshiva University, Columbia University, Washington University and Binghamton University finished in the top four.

Fans filled the stands throughout the weekend, creating a lively environment on and off the court. Daniel Mann, a student fan from Rutgers, said his first time at the tournament was an “11 out of 10 experience.”

“I got to watch my Rutgers basketball team play very well,” Mann said. “It’s been very fun to watch and just hanging out with people on Shabbos.”

Players and attendees tracked statistics, schedules and standings through a student-developed app. Founded by students more than a decade ago, the tournament remains a student-run tradition anchored at Maryland Hillel.

“Some competitive and Jewishly involved basketball players wanted to come together with friends from other schools who were also Jewishly engaged and interested in competing on the basketball court,” Lehman said.

Michael Lurie, a University of Maryland alumnus who graduated in December, has been a key organizer since his sophomore year.

“We have the space and the capacity to do something special here,” Lurie said. “We don’t plan on giving up that title anytime soon.”

Ruthie Price, a student athlete from the University of Michigan, competed alongside teammates from her campus intramural league.

“Since coming to college, I’ve been super connected to the Jewish community, and I wanted to come see how other Jewish communities are at different schools and come together as one big Jewish community,” Price said.

Price lost her first seeding game but won her second — a “really exciting game,” she said.

At Ohio State University, the excitement was already building the week before the event, Lehman said. Students approached him to say they were “incredibly excited” to compete and determined to bring a championship back to Columbus. Michael Smouha, who came to the tournament from Baruch College, shared a humorous perspective on the social aspect of the weekend.

“This is one of the best opportunities to find a wife,” Smouha said. “There’s supposed to be a lot of pretty girls with good values. I thought, hey, why not take a shot.”

While Smouha’s comments added a lighthearted moment to the weekend, they also highlighted the strong sense of community and connection that extended beyond the courts.

“I love my fellow Jews,” said Isaac Kroub, a player from Baruch College. “I love connecting with everyone.”

The event’s success wasn’t just fueled by the energy of the players and fans; it also benefited from the support of various sponsors. These organizations saw the tournament as an opportunity to connect with the college Jewish community and promote their messages.

First-time sponsor Athletes for Israel — a nonprofit that, according to its website, partners with athletes to fight antisemitism and promote an accurate view of Israel — joined the roster this year.

JScreen, a nonprofit offering genetic carrier screening, also sponsored part of the tournament. Ashley Eisenberg, who staffed a table for JScreen on Saturday night, said that reaching college students is key to raising awareness about genetic health.

“This is one of the biggest events for college Jewish students,” Eisenberg said, explaining why JScreen wanted to be there.

“If you didn’t come this year, we are so excited, and we would love to have you next year for the tournament — either as a player or as a fan. We only grow every year, so there will hopefully be another seat at the table or another space on the court for you,” Lurie said.

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