JHF Issues Emergency Grants to University-Based Hillels and Chabads

In response to reports of increased antisemitism on university and college campuses throughout the U.S. and growing anxiety among Jewish students, the Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) has approved $135,000 in emergency grants to Hillel International, the Pitt/CMU campus Hillel, and two local Chabads serving these campuses. JHF is committed to supporting the mental health needs of teens and young adults, and the negative mental health implications of these antisemitic attacks and rhetoric are far reaching.

Hillels and Chabads on university campuses offer Jewish students a refuge and a wide range of support resources. Since the start of the Hamas-Israel War, Hillels and Chabads have seen a dramatic spike in engagement among their Jewish students, who seek camaraderie, solace, and a safe space in the face of agitation among fellow students who condemn Israel and even Jews in the aftermath of the horrific attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

JHF approved a $100,000 grant to the Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, also known as Hillel International, one of the largest Jewish campus organizations in the world. Working with thousands of college students globally, Hillel staff have expanded their outreach to students and faculty available 24 hours-per-day, 7 days-per week for peer and professional support.

JHF approved a $25,000 grant to the Hillel Jewish University Center in Pittsburgh, set between the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, but providing support throughout the area.

Two grants for $5,000 each were given to Chabad of Carnegie Mellon University and to Chabad House on Campus at the University of Pittsburgh.