Ryan Greene, director, multicultural and international student programs, Hofstra University
“One of the special things about the summit is that it brings together students, administrators, faculty and local and national community groups which is unique for a conference. There has been a wide array of people which allows a wider diversity of ideas and the chance to think more deeply on issues concerning us.
“It has been a lively debate, the whole notion of discourse. People have been more forward with their thoughts, more willing to share ideas. It’s not something I’ve seen at other conferences.”
Michael Newman, University of Central Florida student and member of the UCF Hillel Board
“One reason I decided to come to the Summit was to interact with other people in and out of the Jewish community who share the same commitment to social justice as I do. I am thoroughly enjoying the amount of resources available to us, people on the Hillel Board, Hillel’s president Wayne Firestone, and being able to ask questions that can’t be answered at our own Hillel.”
Reuben Ingber, University of Albany student and member of the Albany Hillel Board
“I came to the Summit because I wanted to know more about Hillel as a national organization. I know what Hillel is like on my own campus but never understood how far of a reach the Hillel organization as whole had and how important it is in the community. It has been terrific and enlightening to interact with other student leaders and see what they are facing so if I have to face these problems in the future I have something to turn to.”
Ruth Wisse, Harvard College Professor, Martin Peretz Professor of Yiddish Literature and Professor of Comparative Literature, Harvard University
“Jews are an early warning signal for the Western world…. We are in danger of seeing our truths and our rights go up in flames…. The Arab world has kept us waiting like beggars for our rights. It is time to take back the moral high ground. History will ask “Did you or did you not do enough to secure the Jewish homeland…. In the world of ideas, youth have to be the warriors.”
David M. Cohen, Summit co-chair, member of the Board of Governors and Board of Directors of Hillel
“We set out two days ago to consider new ways to promote civil society and civic discourse on campuses and in the community. Although our conversations often grew heated, this was a useful exercise in modeling our campus environments. We need to be open to all voices, particularly those with whom we disagree. The lessons that we learned at this Summit, from all sides, will undoubtedly sensitize us to the diversity of opinions we will experience when we return home.”
Bea Mandel, Summit co-chair, member of the Hillel Board of Directors
“We also set out at this Summit to strengthen the partnership between the Jewish community and the higher education community to advance our mutual goals. As we have heard time and time again throughout this conference, not only can we work together to advance our goals and to promote civil society. We must do so. It was gratifying to learn the many ways in which campuses are already doing so.”
Stephen Joel Trachtenberg, president emeritus, The George Washington University
“We must empower young people with commitment and passion to take risks for change. I see too much of the attitude expressed by the Japanese proverb “The nail that sticks out gets the blows.” We have splendid leadership for the 21st century. We need to give them the empowerment that they need.”
Andrew Mangino, co-founder, Scoop08 and editor in chief, Yale Daily News
“None of the people that I know identify themselves as Democrat or Republican, left or right. They look at the quality of the individual first, then the issues.”
Jeffrey Jensen Arnett, professor, Clark University
“Young people have a skepticism regarding institutions.”
David Burstein, director and producer, “18 in ‘08”
“Young people don’t want transactional politics: I’ll do this for you if you do that.”
Jackie Jenkins Scott, president, Wheelock College
“What has guided me? Faith, hard work and the understanding that to one who has been given much, much is to be expected.”
Ralph J. Hexter, president, Hampshire College
“I find ways to tell people that I am gay. When I recognized that I am gay, it got my brain started. The infinite love of my parents allowed me to be who I am.”
Nancy Cantor, chancellor, Syracuse University
“I am a social psychologist because I grew up in New York City. When you are a small girl and you take the subway at rush hour the world is literally in your face. I learned that groups are not things to be feared. You have to come to terms with them or perish.”
Richard M. Joel, President, Yeshiva University
“Being Jewish shapes who I am. It is the defining feature of my identity and gives me my sense of mission. The Jewish story teaches that we are not just creatures but that we can be noble creatures that matter to the world.”
David Einhorn, member, Hillel’s International Board of Governors
“In truth, we already live in a time when campuses are largely havens for intellectual pursuit and personal growth. However, much more can be done. We can strengthen civil discourse on our campuses. We can provide positive outlets for questioning and challenging the status quo. We can identify opportunities to promote service and civic engagement for our young people. We can work together to find ways to help our campuses advance their efforts in these areas.”
Michael Brown, CEO and co-founder of CityYear
"Service should be part of the life of any institution. Service to the community is essential. The problems of poverty, rural and urban issues are all interconnected."