As August winds down, college students are preparing to return to campus for the new academic year.
For many Jewish students, that return comes with added complexity as they face the challenges of rising antisemitism, hostility toward Israel, and increasing pressure to hide or downplay their Jewish identity.
Thanks to UJA and our partners, they don't have to face those challenges alone, especially as the new term coincides with an earlier-than-usual Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
From vibrant Jewish programming and community on campus through Hillel and Chabad to security and legal and moral support for students experiencing harassment, UJA supports the organizations and resources that help Jewish students stay safe and connected, and deeply proud of who they are.
For Jael Livin, set to graduate from Brooklyn College this spring, that support made all the difference when she started college in September 2023. Just a month later, October 7 profoundly changed the landscape for Jewish students.
“Starting my freshman year of college was already a major adjustment, but navigating campus life after October 7 made that transition infinitely harder," she said. "Hillel quickly became a vital safe haven. It was a proudly Jewish, Zionist space where I felt an immediate sense of belonging and community.”
When Jael was targeted and doxxed (her personal info exposed online) during her first year, she felt overwhelmed and intimidated. Hillel staff stepped in immediately, helping her report the harassment, connect with campus safety resources, and navigate a stressful process.
"Hillel was there for me every step of the way, offering consistent emotional support alongside the practical help I desperately needed," she said.
The support extended far beyond that difficult moment.
"Hillel was also a place where I was able to build community, find friends, have a space where I can hang out, get food, and explore Judaism on my own terms," said Jael.
“Tanger Hillel’s goal is simple,” says Yelena Azriyel, Assistant Director at Tanger Hillel Brooklyn College. “It’s to make sure every Jewish student knows they have a community and a home here.”
High Holidays on Campus
For the Jewish holidays, Hillels are hosting High Holiday services — Conservative, Orthodox, and Reform — and meals.
"The High Holidays are a moment when students are searching for connection, and Columbia/Barnard Hillel offers such a wide range of ways to find it,” said Brian Cohen, the Lavine Family Executive Director. “From religious services to festive meals to the Manischewitz food truck, that there is something to resonate with every Jewish student on campus. Every opportunity we offer is an invitation into Jewish community."
Jewish students deserve more than protection from threats. They deserve opportunities to build community, celebrate their identity, and deepen their connection to Judaism.
“As part of the move in experience through Rosh Hashanah, we’re distributing Jewish star necklaces and mezuzot to any student who wants one,” said Brian, who reported that they distributed around 180 Jewish stars and mezuzot to students last year.
As students return to campus this semester, UJA remains committed to ensuring they have those opportunities, and that Jewish life on campuses across the greater New York area remains strong and accessible.
Because every Jewish student deserves to know that wherever they are on campus, a strong community stands behind them.
When you give to UJA, you're helping Jewish students stay safe and connected, and deeply proud of who they are.