Hillel Guidelines for Campus Israel Activities
Israel Policy
Hillel is steadfastly committed to the support of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with secure and recognized borders as a member of the family of nations.
Vision for Israel
Hillel seeks to provide every Jewish student with the opportunity to explore and build an enduring relationship with Israel. Hillel desires that students are able to articulate why Israel plays an important role in their personal Jewish identities and how Israel continues to influence Jewish conversations, global Jewish peoplehood, and the world.
Global Approach to Israel
Hillel views Israel as a core element of Jewish life and a gateway to Jewish identification for students. Hillel promotes a continuum of experiences to engage students with Israel, educate their campus communities about Israel, and advocate for Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state in peace and security. For students outside Israel, Hillel facilitates immersive travel experiences such as Taglit-Birthright Israel and Masa Israel Journey programs to advance students’ personal relationships with Israel. For Israeli students, Hillel’s presence at universities throughout Israel provides them with the opportunity to explore and celebrate their Jewish identities. Hillel’s Center for Israel Engagement will bring together and augment Hillel’s Israel engagement, education, and advocacy programs and resources to create meaningful Israel experiences and conversations.
Political Pluralism
Hillel welcomes a diversity of student perspectives on Israel and strives to create an inclusive, pluralistic community where students can discuss matters of interest and/or concern about Israel and the Jewish people in a civil manner. We encourage students’ inquiry as they explore their relationship with Israel. We object to labeling, excluding or harassing any students for their beliefs and expressions thereof. As an indispensible partner to the university, Hillel seeks to facilitate civil discourse about Israel in a safe and supportive college environment that is fertile for dialogue and learning.
Standards of Partnership
Hillel welcomes, partners with, and aids the efforts of organizations, groups, and speakers from diverse perspectives in support of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. Hillel will not partner with, house, or host organizations, groups, or speakers that as a matter of policy or practice:
- Deny the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish and democratic state with secure and recognized borders;
- Delegitimize, demonize, or apply a double standard to Israel;
- Support boycott of, divestment from, or sanctions against the State of Israel;
- Exhibit a pattern of disruptive behavior towards campus events or guest speakers or foster an atmosphere of incivility.
Adoption of Hillel’s Israel Guidelines
Local Hillels are encouraged to convene their stakeholders to review these standards and create their own Israel guidelines that are consistent with this document and reflect the local environment. These guidelines should be shared with students, partners, speakers, and other stakeholders to ensure they are aware of and adhere to Hillel’s Israel guidelines.