Chicago. Anti-Israel protesters at the University of Chicago gathered on campus again during the past week. Among their demonstrations were chants to “Bring the intifada home” (the chanters dispersed when campus security asked for ID’s), a ‘fightback rally’ to call for the university to back down from suspensions that came during a previous demonstration (this was also dispersed by campus security, with a megaphone confiscated) and heckling University President Paul Alivisatos. Protesters handed out flyers with aggressive guidance: “Don’t de-escalate. Don’t try to stop people taking action to oppose the genocide. Don’t talk to cops or administration.”

Demonstrators wave a pro-Houthi flag. (Source: Grace Beatty, Chicago Maroon)

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New York. New York University (NYU) has withheld the diploma of an anti-Israel student who used his graduation speech to condemn Israel (and the United States for complicity). His remarks prompted both support and boos from the audience. NYU stated he misrepresented his planned speech and violated university policies, with NYU spokesperson John Beckman saying “NYU is deeply sorry that the audience was subjected to these remarks and that this moment was stolen by someone who abused a privilege that was conferred upon him.” ADL commended the school for their strong response.

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George Washington. Speaking of unwelcome graduation addresses... During a ceremony at George Washington University, a speaker who was a recent graduate of the school used her platform to condemn the university's stance on divestment and its handling of anti-Israel protests. This unapproved departure from her prepared remarks was condemned by university officials, who termed her conduct “inappropriate and dishonest” and barred her from GW’s campuses and events. ADL criticized this spreading of harmful false anti-Israel rhetoric on a day meant for celebration and unity.

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California. At Stanford University, several students and faculty have launched a hunger strike calling for anti-Israel divestment and a rollback of campus protest restrictions, as well as support for students facing charges after occupying the president’s office during a previous anti-Israel protest. Stanford has stated it does not intend to negotiate. Medical professionals from Stanford and UCSF are monitoring the strikers’ health. The Stanford action is part of a broader movement across California, with students at San Jose State, San Francisco State, Sacramento State and CSU Long Beach also fasting. Their demands include university divestment from weapons manufacturers and condemnation of Israel.

Cal State, Long Beach students on hunger strike. (Source: @SJPatCSULB on Instagram)

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UC Irvine. An effort to rush an anti-Israel BDS resolution through the Associated Students of the University of California, Irvine this week failed. A coalition of campus groups including Orange County Hillel, the Israel Campus Collation, AEPi and Stand With Us organized behind the scenes, and as a message from Hillel said: “our students didn’t back down…. They looked their peers in the eyes and spoke their truth. And they won.” ADL congratulates the brave students who stood up for their community and against this divisive resolution.

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McMaster (Canada). Almost a year after a month-long anti-Israel encampment at McMaster University, the school says it has fulfilled most of the commitments it made to placate the anti-Israel protestors, including allocating $200,000 in scholarships for Palestinian students and scholars. The BDS demands of the protestors prompted the university to commit to increased transparency and investment disclosures.

Quiet Comeback. Amidst campus protests and political scrutiny, a recent Jewish Federation study indicates a growing engagement in Jewish life among young adults, who are increasingly seeking nonpolitical, inclusive communities for meaning and rootedness. Yossy Gordon, CEO of Chabad on Campus International writes about this quiet "comeback," which he says suggests a desire among students for spaces offering reflection and connection beyond highly polarized aspects of online and campus life and emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for positive Jewish engagement.

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Game On. This summer, Pittsburgh will host the inaugural JCC Maccabi Campus Games — a groundbreaking, Olympic-style event expected to bring 1,800 Jewish teen athletes along with coaches and fans to the University of Pittsburgh from August 3-8. Organized by the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh, the Games are calling on people to sign up now to be part of an army of volunteers, coaches, and staff — to help create a welcoming and meaningful space for Jewish teens. According to the JCC Association, 69% of Maccabi athletes had no other Jewish teen affiliation before participating, making this a vital entry point for engagement. With additional Maccabi Games taking place in Tucson, Arizona, this promises to be a banner year for Jewish pride and teamwork through sport.

Jewish Pride: On and Off the Court. This Jewish American Heritage Month, join ADL Education in conversation with Jewish professional basketball player Ryan Turell on May 21 at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT. As the first Orthodox Jew to play in the NBA’s G League and now a player in Israel’s Premier League, Turell has made headlines for wearing his kippah on the court and speaking out against antisemitism. A former star at Yeshiva University, Turell continues to show how sports can be a powerful platform for pride, representation, and allyship. Register here.

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For Parents of Students in Independent K-12 Schools. Join ADL for a special online event designed to equip parents and caregivers with effective strategies and guidance to address antisemitism and become a supportive partner in your child's independent or private school. During the online event on May 21 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, get ADL’s latest research and resources about independent schools and insights on how other parent leaders have championed change in their schools and communities. Register here.

A Vote for Pride. Israel’s Yuval Raphael came in second in the wildly popular Eurovision competition, with the 10/7 survivor’s performance of ‘New Day Will Rise’ riding a wave of international calls during the popular voting to finish just behind an Austrian singer in the overall scoring. “Yuval’s performance wasn’t just about music; it was about defiance. As a survivor of the Oct. 7 Nova Festival massacre, her voice carried more than lyrics she sang — it carried her resilience. Her presence on that stage reminded the world, but most importantly us, that the Jewish people are still standing. Proud. Creative. Unbreakable."

Yuval Raphael during Eurovision. (Source: KAN/EBU video)

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Negev Women Rise Up. In the western Negev region of Israel, a new six-month women's empowerment program called Kumi (Rise) is helping hundreds of women, many of whom have faced personal hardships, to develop entrepreneurial skills, build confidence and network to realize their dreams. Kumi is offering practical tools, strategic guidance and seed funding for their community projects that are much needed, as evidenced by the emotional breakthroughs and project pitches shared during a recent session.

👉 New Resources: ADL has just released a series of helpful new resources for members of campus communities, including Title VII and Title VI fact sheets to help students understand their rights under the Civil Rights Act. You can find them as well as other useful guides in ADL’s No Tolerance for Antisemitism resource hub.

• Campus Community Advocacy Resources — From social media shares to letter writing campaigns, ADL has clear steps for you to take action and effect change on college campuses.
• K-12 Advocacy Resources — Tools and knowledge to foster and advocate for a safe, inclusive and equitable school environment for all.
• University Faculty and Staff — Support for impacted faculty and staff, guidance on how to discuss what constitutes antisemitism and anti-Zionism and how to provide help to students and colleagues.
• University Administration — Guidance & Best Practices for making campuses safer and more inclusive.
• Campus Antisemitism Report Card — See the grades of 135 universities, the current state of antisemitism on campus and how colleges and universities are responding.
• Chai-er Ed Podcast — ADL’s campus podcast, brings you firsthand stories from Jewish students navigating today’s college campuses.
• General Campus Resources — ADL Backgrounders, Educational Programming, Research and Analysis and more.
• Campus Antisemitism Legal Line (CALL) — College or university students, professors, or employees who want to report campus incidents of antisemitic discrimination, intimidation, harassment, vandalism or violence that may necessitate legal action can report to CALL for legal support.
• K-12 Antisemitism Legal Line — Parents and other interested adults in California, Massachusetts and New York can report incidents of antisemitic discrimination, intimidation, harassment, vandalism or violence occurring in K-12 schools to the K-12 Antisemitism Legal Line.
• Report an Antisemitic Incident.

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