2025-09-20 9:12 PM <br/> Tags: #AmericanJewry #organization #KeyOrganizations #WorldJewry ![[image-126.png|516x241]] # Hillel International - Hillel is the largest Jewish student group in the world. - Hillel was founded, and is most dominant, in the United States. - Within the Jewish world Hillel is oriented as a "big tent" organization, to the ire of the hardline Jews. #### Early History and Sponsorship - Hillel was founded in 1923 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign by rabbi Benjamin Frankel with the encouragement of professor Edward Chauncey Baldwin. - In 1925 the large Jewish fraternal organization [[B'nai B'rith]] stepped in to financially sponsor Hillel's expansion. - B'nai B'rith initially supplied $12,000 (~$225,000 today). - From 1925 Hillel was organized as the campus outreach arm of B'nai B'rith. - Hillel was under the B'nai B'rith umbrella until the early 1990s when it was reconstituted as *Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life*. #### Hillel Structure - Hillel International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Washington, D.C. - The D.C HQ serves as the nucleus for the global Hillel network. - This central Hillel International body has a President-CEO, and a board of governors (high profile donors and leaders). - Hillel International organizes major programs, conferences, initiatives, manages major funding sources, and coordinates overall strategy for the many Hillel chapters. - Hillel operates chapters across over 850 universities in 16 countries. - Around 800 of these universities are in North America and the vast majority of those are in the US. - Hillel's federated system means that each university chapter has its own independent board, staff, leaders, fundraising, and day-to-day activity. #### Hillel Activity - Hillel is presented as a pluralistic Jewish group. - Hillel is secular, supporting a wide array of Jewish persuasions. - Common Hillel activities include: Weekly Shabbat dinners, Kosher cafeterias, Jewish holiday celebrations, civic engagement drives, alternative spring breaks, etc. - Hillel often works with [[Chabad On Campus]], the [[Hasidic Judaism|Hasidic]] orthodox Judaism campus group. - Campuses commonly have both a Hillel house and a Chabad house. - Chabad and Hillel preform somewhat of a tug of war for Jewish engagement on campuses. - Hillel is a member of the [[Conference of Presidents]], the overall umbrella organization for the largest American Jewish groups. - Hillel often coordinates with the [[Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA)]], the umbrella for diaspora fundraising for Israel. - The chair of the JFNA board from 2022-2025, [[Julie Platt]], was a former U Penn Hillel board member. - Hillel is a partner of JLIC - Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus, a program ran in coordination with the [[Orthodox Union]]. - JLIC brings Orthodox Judaism to campuses for religious Jews. - In 2002 [[The David Project]] was formed as a Hillel campus group. - In 2017 the David Project merged into the Hillel Israel Engagement and Education Center. - In 2019 the David Project became the "Hillel U Center for Community Outreach." - The current form of the David Project is ran by [[Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA)]] Raleigh chapter CEO Phil Brodsky. - Hillel hosts a large annual conference called the Hillel International Global Assembly (HIGA). - Hillel is partnered with the [[ADL]] on a campus antisemitism legal referral system named Campus Antisemitism Legal Line (CALL). - CALL was formed in October 2023. - CALL gives Jews access to free legal services to fight antisemitism they believe has been committed against them. - In 2023 (after Oct 7) a Hillel affiliate in Canada produced fraudulent stickers saying “I ❤️ Hamas” under the name of a pro-Palestine campus group. - They placed the stickers around the campus. *photo below* ![[image-127.png|526x351]] >[!info] 2025 School Guidlines - In August 2025 Hillel partnered with the [[Conference of Presidents]], the [[ADL]], and the [[Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA)]] to publish a "unified agenda for campus administrators." - The agenda reminds colleges of their legal obligation to "address antisemitic conduct." - They demand protests of Israeli actions in Gaza be curtailed. - The joint agenda demands punishment for online antisemitic activity committed by students. - They demand colleges track and keep records of reported incidents. - They demand all "Zionists" be given a safe environment to support Israel. - In a similar vein they demand all Israelis be welcomed and protected from perceived discrimination. - The agenda demands a crackdown on boycotts of Israel, Israeli universities, and Israeli affiliated companies including so called "soft boycotts." - The joint agenda demands Jewish organizations be protected, describing organizations like Hillel and [[Chabad On Campus]] as "essential organizations." - Colleges are told to provide "antisemitism training" for all students, faculty and staff. - This training is demanded to be mandatory and recurring. --- >[!info] Lobbying Efforts - On November 15, 2023, Hillel president and CEO [[Adam Lehman]] testified before the House Ways and Means Committee. - Lehman presented data collected by Hillel claiming 375 antisemitic incidents on college campuses in the first five weeks after [[October 7th]]. - These incidents supposedly represented a 700% increase from the prior year. - After citing the increase in incidents, Lehman's testimony continued: "But to see it spike to 375 incidents should set off alarm bells for every member of this committee. These are your constituents. These are the young people of your communities... And yet Jewish students are being harassed, marginalized, and yes, assaulted. We are asking you to use your authority to help keep them safe and to restore our university campuses to places of learning and personal growth, not breeding grounds for hate and discrimination." - *These types of "incidents reports" are a major weapon wielded by organized Jewry. The ADL famously presents annual antisemitism reports which always claim a shocking increase in antisemitism. These reports, as unserious as they seem, are used very seriously to guide government, social, and private protocol.* - Lehman demanded Congress act against colleges who have made Jewish students feel abandoned by campus leaders. - Lehman backed his demands by listing many instances of Israeli flags being mistreated, Jewish students feeling unsafe, and mean statements directed at Jews. - In a similar fashion the Florida state legislature has earmarked over a $100 million in funding for Jewish day school protection since 2023. - Funding for Hillel "physical and cultural safety" at UF, FSU, and USF was included in the 2025 Florida General Appropriations Act, signed by Governor Ron Desantis on June 30, 2025. - Hillel chapters pressure/lobby student governments and school administrators on Israeli/Jewish matters. - Ex. In 2014 Hillel Princeton urged Jewish students to act against a petition calling for divestment from West Bank Israeli companies. - Hillel lobbies for adoption of the [[International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)]] definition of antisemitism. - Hillel is currently lobbying for the passing of the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025, which forces the Dept. of Edu. to adopt the IHRA antisemitism definition. - Hillel often lobbies the US Department of Education to "enforce Title Six" of the Civil Rights Act. - Title Six, which bans discrimination based on race, sex, etc., is weaponized heavily by the Jewish lobby in the US. - Title Six has been used to thwart protests of Israel on college campuses, expel students who criticize Israel, revoke university endowments, etc. - Hillel praised [[Donald Trump]]'s 2019 executive order #13899 which "extends title Six protections to Jews." - Title Six obviously already covered Jews, however the EO also required federal agencies reference the [[International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)]] definition of antisemitism when examining civil rights complaints. --- #### Hillel and Israel - Hillel has always been very pro Israel. - In 2010 it became official Hillel policy to bar chapters from partnering with Israel critical organizations. - Hillel has used legal action against its own chapters for violating its Israel policy. - The charged terminology used in Hillel's Israel policy which barred groups that "deny Israel's right to exist" is classic Israeli [[Hasbara]]. - The official Hillel Israel policy described Israel as "a core element of Jewish life and a gateway to Jewish identification for students." #RedPill *Hillel is for the Jewish masses. It is not a fringe group. It is often criticized by Jews for its pluralist orientation, interfaith acceptance, i.e.. for being too weak. Regardless, it is a universal given that Israel, a foreign country, holds such importance. If a people distinct in their race and religion, reside in one country with a universal bond to another, might that be a major problem when such a group holds power? * - In 2016 Hillel partnered with Israel's [[Ministry of Diaspora Affairs]] on a $66 million project called *Mosaic United*. - The Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs at the time was future short lived Israeli Prime Minister [[Naftali Bennett]]. - Hillel was given $22 million as part of Mosaic to spread Israeli propaganda on college campuses. - In 2017 Hillel protested the Israeli Mosaic plan to database all US Jewish college students for targeted outreach. - This has never stopped Hillel from taking part in databasing "antisemitic incidents" which they then use to cudgel congress into curtailing. *Seems Hillel only has a problem when it's Jews being databased.* - Once Israel acquiesced on databasing Jewish students Hillel continued its coordination with Mosaic. - Hillel is partnered with [[Birthright Israel]] to organized free ten day trips to Israel for Jewish students. - Thousands of American Jews partake in Hillel-Birthright trips annually. - Hillel is partnered with [[Masa Israel Journey]], bringing students to Israel for longer term arrangements, often completing internships at Israeli tech companies. - Many Hillel chapters host a young Israeli emissary stationed on campus. - Hillel is partnered with the [[Jewish Agency]] on a program sending "Jewish Agency Israel Fellows" to represent Israel at Hillel chapters. - These Israeli emissaries are often current or former IDF soldiers. - Hillel supports Israel by working with groups like [[StandWithUs (SWU)]], [[Israel on Campus Coalition (ICC)]], and [[AIPAC]]'s campus programs. - Hillel's "International Israel Leadership Network" hosts an Israel Summit. - The Hillel Israel Summit brings Hillel student leaders to Israel for a high profile Summit featuring notable Jewish leaders. - In 2018 Harvard Hillel sponsored the first Israel Summit. - In 2016 Hillel hosted Jerusalem Mayor [[Nir Barkat]] at San Francisco State University. #### Notable Figures - Rabbi Benjamin Frankel - Hillel Founder in 1923. - Dr. Abram L. Sachar - Hillel Director from 1933-1948, future founding president of Brandeis University. - [[Richard Joel]] - Hillel president from 1989-2003, oversaw major Hillel changes and separation from [[B'nai B'rith]]. - [[Edgar Bronfman Sr.]] - Major Hillel benefactor who chaired the board of governors from 1994-2009. - [[Matthew Bronfman]] - Son of Edgar, sits on Hillel board. - [[Wayne Firestone]] - Hillel president from 2005-2013. - [[Eric Fingerhut]] - Hillel president from 2013-2019. - [[Adam Lehman]] - Current Hillel president serving since 2020. *Other lay-leaders are listed under donors.* #### Funding and Donors - Hillel International's revenue in 2024 was $73.2 million. - This is up 21% from the 2022 revenue of $57.9 million. *This rise in revenue is present among all the major Jewish groups post Oct 7th.* - Hillel chapters each have their own smaller annual budgets for their own programming, staff, and upkeep. - Hillel University of Pennsylvania is among the largest Hillel chapters with revenues of $3,515,509 in 2024. 89% of which was from contributions. - [[Maccabee Task Force]], an anti-BDS organization, has funded over 40 Hillel chapters.[^1][^2] - Maccabee Task Force is a major donor to UPenn Hillel, mentioned above. *Maccabee's financial disclosures reveal millions of dollars distributed annually across dozens of Hillel chapters.* - Maccabee Task Force was founded by [[Sheldon Adelson]] and [[Miriam Adelson]]. - The stipulation given to Hillel chapters which receive Maccabee Task Force money is that they will not work with [[J Street]], a left wing Zionist group. --- - Hillel has a large number of major Jewish donors including: - [[Bernard Marcus]] via the [[Marcus Foundation]] - $38 million one time donation in 2016. - [[Sheldon Adelson]] and [[Miriam Adelson]] via the [[Adelson Family Foundation]] - [[Adam Milstein]] - [[Charles Schusterman]] and [[Lynn Schusterman]] via the [[Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation]] - ~$1 million in 2004. - [[Michael Steinhardt]] - $2.5 million in 2001 towards UPenn Hillel's Steinhardt Hall. - The [[Jim Joseph Foundation]] - Awarded over $63 million since 2008. $12 million awarded in March 2025 to be used over 3 years. - [[Edgar Bronfman Sr.]] - First Hillel donation was in 1994 for $1 million. - [[Matthew Bronfman]] - [[Sidney Frank]] - [[Norman Braman]] - $2.5 million for the University of Miami Hillel. - [[David Tepper]] via the [[Tepper Foundation]] - $12 million after Oct 7th. - [[Paul Singer]] via the [[Paul E. Singer Foundation]] - $1,301,000 from 2011-2024[^3] *Note: Many specific donation amounts are unavailable. * #### References - “Hillel International.” _Wikipedia_. Last modified May 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillel_International - “Richard Joel.” _Wikipedia_. Last modified May 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Joel - “Adam Lehman.” _Wikipedia_. Last modified 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Lehman - Hillel International. “History of Hillel.” _Hillel.org_, 2024. https://www.hillel.org/history-of-hillel/ - Hillel International. “Hillel Israel Guidelines (Standards of Partnership).” _Hillel.org_, n.d. https://www.hillel.org/israel-guidelines/ - Maltz, Judy. “Hillel Threatened to Cut Ties With Israeli Government Over Database of Jewish American Students.” October 17, 2017. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2017-10-17/ty-article/.premium/hillel-threatened-to-cut-ties-with-israeli-govt-over-database/0000017f-db15-d3a5-af7f-fbbf7fd90000 - Hillel International. “What Colleges and Universities Should Do to Prepare for the New Academic Year.” _Hillel.org_, 2024. https://www.hillel.org/what-universities-should-do-to-prepare-for-the-new-academic-year/ - InfluenceWatch. “Hillel International.” _InfluenceWatch.org_, n.d. [https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/hillel-international/](https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/hillel-international/) - Hillel International. “Adam Lehman Testifies in Front of House Committee on Ways and Means.” _Hillel.org_, November 15, 2023. https://www.hillel.org/adam-lehman-testifies-in-front-of-house-committee-on-ways-and-means/ - Hillel International / ADL. “Nearly Three-Quarters of Jewish Students Experienced or Witnessed Antisemitism on Campus, New Survey Finds.” _Hillel.org_, November 29, 2023. https://www.hillel.org/nearly-three-quarters-of-jewish-students-experienced-or-witnessed-antisemitism-on-campus-new-survey-finds/ - Borter, Gabriella. “U.S. Antisemitic Incidents Hit Record High in 2023 Amid War in Gaza, Report Says.” _Reuters_, April 16, 2024. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-antisemitic-incidents-hit-record-high-2023-amid-war-gaza-report-says-2024-04-16/ - Florida Senate. “Local Funding Initiative Request, FY 2025–2026: UF Hillel - Jewish Life on College Campuses: Physical & Cultural Safety (S1508).” _FLSenate.gov_, February 11, 2025. [https://www.flsenate.gov/PublishedContent/Session/FiscalYear/FY2025-26/LocalFundingInitiativeRequests/FY2025-26_S1508.pdf](https://www.flsenate.gov/PublishedContent/Session/FiscalYear/FY2025-26/LocalFundingInitiativeRequests/FY2025-26_S1508.pdf?) - Executive Office of the Governor. “Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Florida Fiscal Year 2025–2026 Budget.” _FLGov.com_, June 30, 2025. [https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2025/governor-ron-desantis-signs-florida-fiscal-year-2025-2026-budget](https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2025/governor-ron-desantis-signs-florida-fiscal-year-2025-2026-budget?) - Schorsch, Peter. “Lawmakers Unite to Shield Jewish College Students in Budget Push.” _Florida Politics_ March 17, 2025. [https://floridapolitics.com/archives/726486-florida-lawmakers-unite-to-shield-jewish-college-students-in-budget-push/](https://floridapolitics.com/archives/726486-florida-lawmakers-unite-to-shield-jewish-college-students-in-budget-push/) - Hillel International. “Hillel International Launches Talent Grants for Campuses With $38 Million Gift From the Marcus Foundation.” _Hillel.org_, December 6, 2016. [https://www.hillel.org/hillel-international-launches-talent-grants-for-campuses-with-38-million-gift-from-the-marcus-foundation/](https://www.hillel.org/hillel-international-launches-talent-grants-for-campuses-with-38-million-gift-from-the-marcus-foundation/) - Jim Joseph Foundation. “Hillel International Receives $16 Million Grant From Jim Joseph Foundation.” _JimJosephFoundation.org_, September 10, 2015. [https://jimjosephfoundation.org/press-releases/hillel-international-receives-16-million-grant-from-jim-joseph-foundation/](https://jimjosephfoundation.org/press-releases/hillel-international-receives-16-million-grant-from-jim-joseph-foundation/) - McWilliams, Julie. “A $2.5 Million Naming Gift to UM Hillel Announced.” _News@TheU_, March 25, 2014. [https://news.miami.edu/stories/2014/03/a-2-5-million-naming-gift-to-um-hillel-announced.html](https://news.miami.edu/stories/2014/03/a-2-5-million-naming-gift-to-um-hillel-announced.html?) - _Penn Today_. “Steinhardt Hall, New Home for Jewish Student Life at the University of Pennsylvania, Dedicated.” October 23, 2003. [https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/steinhardt-hall-new-home-jewish-student-life-university-pennsylvania-dedicated](https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/steinhardt-hall-new-home-jewish-student-life-university-pennsylvania-dedicated) - Redden, Elizabeth. “Swarthmore Hillel Breaks With Parent Organization Over Israel Issues.” *Inside Higher Ed,* March 17, 2015. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/03/18/swarthmore-hillel-breaks-parent-organization-over-israel-issues - “Executive Order 13899.” _Wikipedia_. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executive_Order_13899](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executive_Order_13899?) [^1]: “Maccabee Task Force,” Wikipedia, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maccabee_Task_Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maccabee_Task_Force). [^2]: Maccabee Task Force, Form 990 for fiscal year ending December 2024, ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, [https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/474908810/202543179349100839/full](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/474908810/202543179349100839/full). *This is MTF's tax information from 2024. On page eleven 40 separate Hillels are listed under "grants and contributions paid during the year." Each year Maccabee's financial documents show a similar level of support for Hillel.* [^3]: ProPublica, “Paul E Singer Foundation,” [https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/272009342](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/272009342)