Resources for Students
Antisemitism on Campus and Hamas-Israel War
Updated: January 10, 2024
As antisemitism grows on college and university campuses worldwide, your friends at Hillel want you to know that you are not alone. Since Hamas’ brutal attack on October 7, we too have been hurting and heartbroken — especially in light of rising tension for Jewish students. While we know that no single message, ritual, or act can bring calm or peace in this moment, we hope that the power of our community and the resources we’ve put together can help — even just a little.
Our global community of students, knowledgeable educators, and passionate Hillel staff are here with and for you. If there are other resources you think that might be beneficial for Jewish students at this time, we want to know about them (email us at [email protected]). Thank you for being part of the Hillel community, and we pray for better days ahead.
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Report Antisemitism
If you have witnessed or experienced an
antisemitic or other hate incident/attack, report it
How Hillel is Supporting Jewish College Students
Caring for Yourself and Your Community
- If you need ideas and resources to support your own self-care and wellbeing, use these resources and tips
- If you are looking for Jewish resources including prayers, poems, and other writings, check out these Jewish Resources for Resilience
- If you need a draft email to professors requesting flexibility, use this ready-made draft
- If you are in need of community and/or local resources, please contact your campus Hillel
- If you are looking for resources about how to support others in a time of crisis, please review these these tips on how to show up for others
Taking Action and Reporting Antisemitism
- If you are looking for resources on how to take action, please see the Taking Action in Challenging Times resource
- GOT A MINUTE? If we all took ONE MINUTE right now to reach out to our elected officials, we stand a much better, more realistic chance of ensuring that the return of all hostages continues to remain a top U.S. and global priority. Take a minute right now, and make a call to help save their lives: OneMinADay.com
- If you have witnessed or experienced an antisemitic or other hate incident/attack:
- First, be sure you and those around you are safe. Call 911 if you need immediate help
- Report it to your university. Go to your university’s main home page. Put “bias incident” in the search bar. You should find a link to a form that is called “Report a Bias Incident” or something similar. Report the incident there.
- Tell your Hillel director, or another staff member at your Hillel. Once your Hillel staff is in the loop, they can ensure you have the support you need and they can also inform the appropriate authorities. Hillel Professionals will alert Hillel International if the incident requires additional support such as wellness, security concerns or legal support.
- Report it at reportcampushate.org, a resource established by Hillel International in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League and Secure Communities Network.
- Hillel International, ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP today announced the Campus Antisemitism Legal Line (CALL), a free legal protection helpline for students who have experienced antisemitism. Any student, family, faculty, or staff member can go to the CALL website or text “CALLhelp” to 51555 to report incidents of antisemitic discrimination, intimidation, harassment, vandalism, or violence that may necessitate legal action.
- If you are looking for resources about how to support others in a time of crisis, please review these these tips on how to show up for others
Navigating Social Media and External Media
- If you are looking for organizations or people to follow on social media, review the Social Media Resources Student Guide
- If you want a step-by-step guide on how to remove your personal information from the internet, review this NYTimes resource on doxxing
- If you are looking for reliable news sources, review the Navigating the News resource
- If someone from the media has contacted you, review the Media Guidance for Students resource
Exploring Jewish Culture
- The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store: A Novel by James McBride
In 1972, workers digging in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, uncover a skeleton, also unearthing two of the long-held secrets kept by the residents of Chicken Hill, the dilapidated neighborhood where immigrant Jews and African Americans lived side by side and shared ambitions and sorrows. - Bad Jews: A History of American Jewish Politics and Identities by Emily Tamkin
A journalist and author of The Influence of Soros examines the history of Jewish people in America and explores their ever-evolving relationship to the nation’s culture and identity—and each other. - Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life—in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There) by Sarah Hurwitz
A renowned political speechwriter rediscovers Judaism, finding timeless wisdom and spiritual connection in its age-old practices and traditions. - Two Tribes by Emily Bowen Cohen
In her poignant debut graphic novel inspired by her own life, Muscogee-Jewish writer and artist Emily Bowen Cohen embraces the complexity, meaning, and deep love that comes from being part of two vibrant tribes. - Israel: A History by Anita Shapira
Written by one of Israel’s most notable scholars, this volume provides a breathtaking history of Israel from the origins of the Zionist movement in the late nineteenth century to the present day. - Is Superman Circumcised?: The Complete Jewish History of the World’s Greatest Hero by Roy Schwartz
A fascinating and entertaining journey through comic book lore, American history, and Jewish tradition, sure to give readers a newfound appreciation for the Mensch of Steel!
- Explore Hillel International’s Spotify playlists to set the right vibes for all your holiday celebrations.
- Looking for a crash course in Israeli and Jewish artists? We’re currently jamming out to Troye Sivan, Idan Amedi, Noah Kahan, Netta, Nefesh Mountain, Static & Ben El, HAIM, and Westside Gravy.
- Bookmark Mastering the Art of Shabbat Gathering: A College Student’s Guide, a collaboration with our friends at Gefilteria, as your one-stop-shopping for hosting tips, advice for all kinds of Shabbat scenarios, insanely appetizing and fun recipes, and easy-to-use Shabbat blessing resources.
- Some of our other favorite Jewish cookbook authors, bloggers, chefs, and food social media accounts to follow include:
- Deb Perelman, The Smitten Kitchen
- Jake Cohen, I Could Nosh and Jew-ish
- Adeena Sussman, Shabbat: Recipes and Rituals from My Table to Yours
- Michael W. Twitty, Koshersoul: The Faith and Food Journey of an African American Jew
- Einat Admony, Balaboosta
- Mike Solomonov, James Beard Award-winning Israeli restauranteur
- Claire Saffitz, What’s for Dessert
- Yotam Ottolenghi, Jerusalem: A Cookbook and Plenty
- Eitan Bernath
- Sephardic Spice Girls
- The Nosher