Dear Wolverine Hillel Community,

I wanted to share an update as the semester ends – a semester unlike any other in the long history of U-M. 

Since October 7th, we have all experienced a series of emotional highs and lows. This past week, thankfully, has been one with more highs than lows here on campus. 

Concerns that the anti-Israel petition would be brought back for a vote were put to rest by President Ono last Tuesday. In an email to the entire campus community, President Ono shared a powerful message against all forms of hate, noting, “The rise in hateful prejudice across our country and the world must not gain footing in our own community.” I encourage you to read the full statement which can be found here.  

Also last week, at a Board of Regents meeting, President Ono announced the creation of the University of Michigan Raoul Wallenberg Institute “to combat antisemitism and advance religious inclusion.” We were glad that the University took an unequivocal stand, where other university presidents did not, issuing a statement that said: “In the context of the national discourse, the University of Michigan unequally condemns calls for the genocide of Jews or any other peoples as this is antithetical to our values.”

These steps are very encouraging, and while the new institute will be a major contribution to the campus once it is up and running, I also believe – and am making clear to the administration – that the University must continue to act against antisemitism happening on campus right now. 

At Hillel, Jewish students can find support, friendship, and a sense of belonging. In fact, last week, FreshConnect hosted over 100 first-year students for a Shabbat dinner in South Quad, over 50 graduate students attended a Shabbat dinner at Hillel, and on Sunday night Hillel partnered with Chabad for our annual menorah lighting on the Diag. There are still leadership opportunities with Hillel, email Haley for more information. And, we’re looking forward to registration opening for Summer Birthright Israel trips! Contact Allison to be notified when registration opens.

As we complete the last day of Chanukkah, the Jewish holiday that celebrates our dedication and commitment to Jewish values, we sing:  Kol echad hu or katan, vechulanu or eytan – each individual person is a small light, and together we are a strong bright light.  

Even in these dark days, together, we are a strong, bright light. To everyone who has supported our students this semester, thank you! To everyone who has completed finals, congrats! Enjoy your winter break. I’m looking forward to an amazing semester ahead!

Go Blue,

Rabbi Davey

Interim CEO