Hillel International Initiative to Confront Antisemitism on College Campuses Welcomes 10 New Schools

Hillel International Initiative to Confront Antisemitism on College Campuses Welcomes 10 New Schools

Long Beach State University has joined Hillel International’s Campus Climate Initiative (CCI) as part of a proactive response to the increasing incidents of antisemitism in the United States. As the world’s largest Jewish student organization, Hillel International’s CCI is entering its fourth year and focuses on fostering an inclusive and safe campus environment for Jewish students, free from antisemitism, harassment, and marginalization.

The CCI program brings together Hillel International, Beach Hillel, higher education administrators, and campus-based professionals to collaborate on improving the campus climate for Jewish students. By joining this initiative, Long Beach State aims to address the pressing issues of antisemitism and create an atmosphere where Jewish students can freely express their identities.

The program includes 10 new campuses this year, including Long Beach State University, which adds to the 40 institutions that have participated in CCI since its inception. Participants in previous cohorts have reported increased understanding of Jewish identity, diversity within the Jewish community, manifestations of antisemitism, and the distinction between criticism of Israel and antisemitism. The program’s emphasis on crafting tailored action plans for each institution ensures that Long Beach State and other participants will actively contribute to enhancing inclusion and combating antisemitism as part of a comprehensive approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts.

Long Beach State’s commitment to the CCI demonstrates their dedication to creating a campus environment where all students feel valued, respected, and safe. Through this collaboration, Long Beach State University joins the ranks of institutions across the nation that are taking tangible steps to combat antisemitism and promote inclusivity.