Across North America, Jewish Students Celebrate Israel with Hillel
Thousands of Jewish students across North America came together this week to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. Hundreds of campus Hillel programs brought celebrations to life at colleges and universities across the country — from Texas Hillel’s 26th annual Israel Block Party at the University of Texas at Austin, to Hillel at Kent State’s weeklong celebration featuring its “Shuk on the K” Israeli market, to parties hosted by Hillel Ontario drawing hundreds of students and alumni. Together, these events created vibrant, joyful spaces for students to celebrate Israel through culture, food, music, learning, and community.
“Israel is such an important part of Jewish life, and Yom Ha’atzmaut is a chance to celebrate that connection both to our homeland and to each other,” said Becca Paikin, a third year student at the University of Toronto. “It’s an expression of Jewish pride and a deep-seated love for Israel, and we’re so lucky to have this opportunity to connect through joy and community — and most importantly, just have a good time.”
At Texas Hillel at the University of Texas at Austin, their annual Israel Block Party has been running for an incredible 26 years, and is one of the largest student-led celebrations of Israeli culture on a North American college campus.
“The Israel Block Party is an amazing example of student leadership, and we’re proud to be a part of this group,” said Riley Harris and Levi Fox, students at the University of Texas at Austin and the 2026 Israel Block Party Co-Chairs.
Jewish students at Kent State University also contributed to the celebratory atmosphere, hosting a full week of Israel-related activities. Their flagship event, “Shuk on the K,” an Israeli market experience that included food, music, art, and trivia, engaged more than 100 students — despite unseasonably cold weather. But the cold didn’t stop students from coming out for an Israeli iced coffee bar program, or from looking forward to an upcoming Yom Ha’atzmaut Israeli BBQ Party later this week.
“Israel week has been an amazing opportunity to share the culture that we love so much,” said Rachel Kleinhenz, a Kent State student. “I’ve enjoyed being able to see people’s smiling faces as we share things they don’t know about. I love Israel Week!”
In Canada, Hillel Ontario is gearing up for two massive Yom Ha’atzmaut parties this week, one geared primarily toward grad students and young professionals, the other designed for undergraduates. Both events will include local DJs who are alumni from the Hillel Ontario community, photo booths, flags, dancing, a graffiti wall activation, and more. Organizers are expecting upwards of 400+ attendees at each event.
“Israel continues to be such a meaningful part of Jewish life in Toronto, and Yom Ha’atzmaut is an amazing opportunity to celebrate our connection,” said Marni Weinberg, a Hillel Ontario alumna who graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2020 and plans to attend the grad student and young professionals event. “Even years post grad, it’s clear, now more than ever, how important it is to stay connected and involved in the Jewish community, and moments like this [with Hillel] make it incredibly easy.”
Connection and community were themes at almost every Yom Ha’atzmaut event as Jewish students shared their Israel-related experiences with their friends on campus, sparked conversations about Israel in a safe and welcoming environment, and contributed to making their campus more inclusive for everyone.
“At Texas Hillel, we approach Israel as an integral part of Jewish life and learning, and we create space for students to explore what that means for them,” said Rabbi Stephanie Max, executive director of Texas Hillel. “For many, that includes understanding Zionism as the belief in the Jewish people’s right to a homeland, alongside the opportunity to ask hard questions and engage one another with curiosity and respect.”
She continued, “The Israel Block Party is a powerful example of what it looks like when students take ownership of their Jewish experience.”
Students felt the same way. “The idea of being in a room with 400 friends, peers, and community feels incredibly powerful,” said Eitan Feldman, a University of Toronto student who shared that he’s looking forward to attending the undergraduate Yom Ha’atzmaut party later this week. “I’m especially looking forward to good Hebrew music, good food, good people… it’s the kind of night where everyone can come together, celebrate, and feel proud.”