Should I take Bio-Chem as a Freshman? Is this Mason or Abbot? Where’s the Hillel building?
School is back in session and with it comes a barrage of questions for students and parents alike. But in today’s climate of rampant antisemitism after October 7th, one question is more vitally important than ever:
“I’m Jewish. Who will help me stay safe on campus?”
An important part of the answer is Hillel. University of Michigan Hillel, MSU Hillel, Hillel Campus Alliance of Michigan (HCAM) and Hillel of Metro Detroit, all Federation partner agencies, are facing the antisemitism on their campuses head on. And they’re getting the support they need from Hillel International, the largest Jewish student organization in the world.
Hillel International is committed to tackling antisemitism on college campuses and in online spaces from every angle. In support of our local Hillels, they collaborate closely with students, campus professionals, Jewish communal and higher education leaders and prominent anti-hate organizations. Their initiatives and programs are designed to empower Jewish students to stand up against hate while educating wider campus communities to ensure an environment where antisemitism is not tolerated.
According to Hillel International, here are the top 10 ways Hillel makes campuses safer spaces for our Jewish students:
- Hillel RESPONDS to antisemitism whenever it occurs on campus, no matter where it comes from. Report an antisemitic incident and receive immediate support at any time at reportcampushate.org.
- Hillel SAFEGUARDS Jewish students, faculty and staff on college campuses by upgrading physical safety infrastructure and partnering with law enforcement to identify and respond to antisemitic activity 24/7.
- Hillel CHAMPIONS the rights, security, and mental and physical wellbeing of Jewish college students whenever they are threatened and provides a safe home for Jewish students on campus.
- Hillel SUPPORTS and EMPOWERS Jewish students to express pride in their identities, live joyful Jewish lives and celebrate their connections to Judaism and Israel without fear.
- Hillel WORKS CLOSELY with university leadership to create safe and supportive campus environments for Jewish students, faculty and staff — and trains university administrators on best practices to forcefully respond to antisemitism when it happens.
- Hillel EDUCATES campus communities about antisemitism and the Jewish people’s 3,000-year-old connection to Israel.
- Hillel LEADS a diverse coalition that includes universities, law enforcement, campus clubs and local and national organizations committed to ensuring that Jewish students have a college experience free from antisemitism, hate or bias.
- Hillel PROVIDES free legal assistance and representation to Jewish college students who have been impacted by antisemitism through our Campus Antisemitism Legal Line. (CALL) Text “CALLhelp” to 51555 or online at legal-protection.org to report incidents of antisemitic discrimination, intimidation, harassment, vandalism or violence that may necessitate legal action.
- Hillel CONNECTS the nation’s top Jewish student leaders into a united network of like-minded peers and trains them to have the confidence and technical skills to lead their generation in support of the Jewish people, and their connection to Israel.
- Hillel CELEBRATES Jewish life. The best way to counter antisemitism is by building vibrant Jewish campus communities, and Hillel has been creating a safe and welcoming home for Jewish students on campus for more than 100 years.
Say hello to your Hillel today.
Our partner Hillels are here to welcome Jewish college students back to school with open arms and into the vibrant, welcoming and safe Jewish campus community that they provide. You can learn more and connect with your Hillel at the links below:
“Our first priority is physical safety, and we work closely with our campus police to provide protection. We arrange private security when we have events off campus. Also, we have a JFS social worker on staff who provides emotional support. Finally, we work to build a vibrant community at Hillel of Metro Detroit, so Jewish students have a warm and welcoming environment where they are comfortable.”
Miriam Starkman, Hillel of Metro Detroit Director
Michigan Hillel
michiganhillel.org
MSU Hillel
msuhillel.org
Hillel of Metro Detroit
hillel-detroit.org
Hillel Campus Alliance of Michigan
h-cam.net
(Note: HCAM serves Albion College, Alma College, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Kalamazoo College, Michigan Technological University, Northern Michigan University, Saginaw Valley State University, and Western Michigan University. Hillel of Metro Detroit serves the campuses of Detroit Mercy, Lawrence Tech, OCC, U of M Dearborn, Oakland and Wayne State.)
