We posed several questions to Monica Davis, executive director, Hopkins Hillel,  Dawn Savage, assistant director, student life at Maryland Hillel, Rabbi Alex Salzberg, executive director Towson Hillel and Josh Snyder, executive director of Goucher Hillel. They offered insights on how they are responding to questions about the current environment from prospective students and families and shared why an active Hillel is now more important than ever. 

What questions are you getting from prospective students/families in the wake of October 7? 

Alex: Parents and families are asking about anti-Israel activity and antisemitism on campus in a way that they never did before 10/7. They are also asking about how the administration responds to such activity and how campus police protect Jewish students.  

We share with them some of the events that occurred throughout the semester (the good, the bad, and the ugly) and also reassure them that Hillel is there to care for Jewish students and strengthen the Jewish community in this difficult time. We also tell the families about the strong community ties that exist and the resources that The Associated provides for our students. 

Dawn: Prospective students and families are asking questions about the overall campus climate for Jewish students. They want to know if the campus is safe for themselves/their child. They are also asking about how Hillel is supporting students during these difficult times and what resources students may have through Hillel and the campus.  

It is most important that we answer these questions honestly, ensuring they have all the information they need to make an informed decision. We share the challenges the community may be facing at the time and also the connection Jewish students have made with one another.  

We also share the outpouring of support we’ve seen from campus administration and police, parents, alumni and non-Jewish students and staff. We are grateful to have positive relationships with those who work at the University of Maryland and that they are willing to collaborate with the Jewish community. 

Outside of an active Hillel, what questions should prospective Jewish families ask when looking at colleges?   

Josh: Many colleges have built infrastructure to help support Jewish students on campus. It’s great to know what those amenities are in making a choice, depending on what’s most important to you. 

The vast majority of college campuses are finding that they have work to do in the wake of this past semester in terms of educating their communities about antisemitism. Families should ask some questions to gauge how the university is leaning into that challenge.  

Here are a few questions I’d suggest asking – especially of current Jewish students and Hillel staff.   

What messages did your administration send out following the Oct. 7 attacks? 
Does your campus discrimination policy explicitly protect students from antisemitism? 
How have antisemitic incidents been handled when they have been reported by students?  
Is antisemitism addressed as part of a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion? 
What is being done to foster healthy dialogue on your campus regarding the current Israel-Hamas war? 
How does your university signal to Jewish students that they are valued as a part of the diverse makeup of the campus — is kosher food provided?   
Is there a way for Jewish students to be excused from class for holidays?   
Can students take Hebrew or Judaic studies courses?  
Is Jewish identity celebrated outside of Hillel? 

Advice for students heading to college? 

Monica: Hillels on college campuses more than ever play a crucial role in addressing antisemitism.  Hopkins Hillel, first and foremost, provides a supportive and safe community —  a “home away from home” for our students. A place where we proudly focus on core facets of Jewish life that include Jewish learning, holiday and Shabbat celebrations, arts culture and history, and building a meaningful, ongoing  relationship with Israel.  

At Hopkins Hillel, our main goal now is building relationships and working collaboratively with campus administration addressing instances of antisemitism and promoting a safe and inclusive campus environment. As we continue to provide educational programs, we hope to help combat ignorance and stereotypes and foster an atmosphere of understanding and tolerance. 

What is the value of an active Hillel today?  

Getting involved on campus can be a big step, and we always encourage students to reach out to a staff member or student leader to learn about what it means to be Jewish on campus. In these difficult times, supporting all Jewish students has been a priority through our programming, events, and outreach. 

Alex: Hillels provide Jewish students with a community and a safe space. While this has always been true, it is more important now than ever. Hillels welcome Jewish students from all backgrounds and political persuasions and do so with an understanding that Jewish community and unity are essential.  

When anti-Israel and antisemitism appear on college campuses, Hillels support students, advocate for the Jewish community, and give students the tools to advocate for themselves. Hillels develop and maintain relationships with college administrations that help to protect Jewish students on campus. 

Monica: Hillels on college campuses more than ever play a crucial role in addressing antisemitism.  Hopkins Hillel, first and foremost, provides a supportive and safe community —  a “home away from home” for our students. A place where we proudly focus on core facets of Jewish life that include Jewish learning, holiday and Shabbat celebrations, arts culture and history, and building a meaningful, ongoing relationship with Israel.  

The ADL reported a 337% increase in reports of antisemitic incidents on campus for the two months following October 7, as compared with the prior year in the same period. Hillels have been working around the clock since that time supporting Jewish students through programming and advocacy. We are working with community members and administrations to ensure our campuses do everything in their power to support Jewish students.   

How can students get involved? 

Josh: As far as getting involved, there are so many ways!  Aside from coming to events like Shabbat and holiday services and meals, students can earn and learn through programs like JLF and Kol Yisrael, travel on programs like Birthright Israel, become paid student engagement interns or learn leadership through planning events, and so much more! I encourage every Jewish student to connect with a Hillel staffer — if you can give them 40 minutes of your time, they’ll get you coffee or lunch and will make sure you make the most of your college experience. One meeting can absolutely be a game-changer!