We are disappointed and concerned by the publication of an op-ed (later removed) that critiqued student travel and study abroad in Israel. When anti-Israel rhetoric is introduced in public discourse, Jewish students are often targeted for harassment and intimidation simply for being Jewish. As an organization representing thousands of Jewish students in North Carolina, and as part of the largest Jewish student organization in the world, we also condemn any threats towards the student author of the op-ed or his family. Violence and threats of violence have no place in our campus community, and are unacceptable at all times.

Our May 2022 Perspectives Trip, the first since the pandemic began, included 16 non-Jewish student leaders and 4 Jewish student leaders from UNC-Chapel Hill. Participants of the trip spent ten days in Israel meeting with Israeli and Palestinian citizens, politicians, artists, and activists on all sides of the political spectrum to learn through experiences and open discussion about the different people, cultures, and political opinions that shape the region.

Aidan Blevins, one of our non-Jewish participants, shares on our blog the importance of the trip and reflects on how he'd like to use his experience in Israel back at home.

Following a nationwide search, North Carolina Hillel’s Board of Directors is thrilled to announce that they have hired Hannah Gutterman Spinrad as the new Executive Director, effective June 1, 2022.

Hillel International, the largest Jewish campus organization in the world, recognized our own Rabbi Melissa B. Simon, NC Hillel’s Senior Jewish Educator, with their international Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence for her outstanding work creating innovative programming and strengthening our Jewish community.

It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that the Board of Directors announces Ari Gauss’s departure as Executive Director of NC Hillel, effective May 31, 2022.