Hillel Israel Guidelines

Israel Policy

Hillel is steadfastly committed to the support of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with secure and recognized borders as a member of the family of nations.

Vision for Israel

Hillel seeks to provide every Jewish student with the opportunity to explore and build an enduring relationship with Israel. Hillel desires that students are able to articulate why Israel plays an important role in their personal Jewish identities and how Israel continues to influence Jewish conversations, global Jewish peoplehood, and the world.

Global Approach to Israel

Hillel views Israel as a core element of Jewish life and a gateway to Jewish identification for students. Hillel promotes a continuum of experiences to engage students with Israel, educate their campus communities about Israel, and foster Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state in peace and security. For students outside Israel, Hillel facilitates immersive travel experiences such as Taglit-Birthright Israel, Masa Israel Journey, Onward Israel, and Immersive Israel Fellowship programs to advance students’ personal relationships with Israel. For Israeli students, Hillel’s presence at universities throughout Israel provides them with the opportunity to explore and celebrate their Jewish identities. Hillel’s Center for Jewish and Israel Education brings together and augments Hillel’s Israel engagement, education, and resources to create meaningful Israel experiences and conversations.

Political Pluralism

Hillel welcomes a diversity of student perspectives on Israel and strives to create an inclusive, pluralistic community where students can discuss matters of interest and/or concern about Israel and the Jewish people in a civil manner. We encourage students’ inquiry as they explore their relationship with Israel. We object to labeling, excluding, or harassing any students for their beliefs and expressions thereof. As an indispensable partner to the university, Hillel seeks to facilitate civil discourse about Israel in a safe and supportive college environment that is fertile for dialogue and learning.

Standards of Partnership

Hillel welcomes, partners with, and aids the efforts of organizations, groups, and speakers from diverse perspectives in support of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. Hillel will not partner with, house, or host organizations, groups, or speakers that as a matter of policy or practice:

• Deny the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish and democratic state with secure and recognized borders;
• Delegitimize, demonize, or apply a double standard to Israel;
• Support boycott of, divestment from, or sanctions against the State of Israel;
• Exhibit a pattern of disruptive behavior toward campus events or guest speakers, or foster an atmosphere of incivility.

Adoption of Hillel’s Israel Guidelines

Campus Hillels are encouraged to convene their stakeholders to review these standards and create their own Israel guidelines that are consistent with this document and reflect the local environment. These guidelines should be shared with students, partners, speakers, and other stakeholders to ensure they are aware of and adhere to Hillel’s Israel guidelines.