Campus Engagement

College Campuses

JUF and our Hillels are the front lines on 20+ campuses across Illinois. 

JUF provides one-on-one assistance 24/7 to Illinois college students who experience discrimination, helping them document and report incidents and guiding them to the appropriate authorities on campus and in law enforcement. 

JUF reached a landmark agreement – the first such nationally – with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign addressing antisemitism on campus resulting in specific commitments for the safety and inclusion of Jewish students. And they extend the protection of the university’s non-discrimination policy to include Zionism as a protected status.

• 2,800 students participated in 65 pro-Israel vigils, speakers and programs on campus—an 87% year over year increase
• JUF responded to 200+ incidence reports on campuses since Oct. 7, 2024, ranging from hateful graffiti to administrative negligence in the face of antisemitic acts, resulting in meaningful change at the university level and significant support for struggling Jewish students. 

Dynamic JUF programs engaged college students and youth in Jewish life when they needed it most.

• Nearly half (46%) of Jewish college students in Illinois participated in Hillel programs, connecting more than ever to their Jewish identity.

K–12 Schools

Antisemitism goes beyond the college campus. We have been brought in by administrations across Chicagoland—from the city south to the north shore—to educate and engage at local high schools and middle schools post Oct. 7. Students, teachers, faculty and administrators are seeking better understanding and nuance as current events and complicated topics emerge in the classroom and hallways.

Across the city and suburbs, JUF has educated and mobilized hundreds of teachers, principals, staff and administrators in dozens of K-12 school districts to identify and address antisemitism. These multi-faceted, customized programs build connection and understanding, helping to prevent antisemitism from taking root—and to swiftly address any antisemitic incidents that may occur. facilitated by JUF staff with expertise in effectively responding to antisemitism in schools. 

These programs—facilitated by JUF staff with expertise in effectively responding to antisemitism in schools—include:

• Leadership workshops for school administrators and superintendents
• Staff trainings for entire school districts and teaching staff
• Teachers Circle: A support network for Jewish teachers
• Interactive workshops build knowledge and skills to empower parents, Jewish professionals, clergy, and other community members