The students waiting outside of Hillel last Friday night made it clear to me that they were there to voice their opposition to the current situation in Israel – not to participate in observance of the Jewish sabbath. Students of all faiths are welcome at Hillel, including Friday nights. But their presence is predicated on their observance of – or respectful observation of – our rituals, meal and sabbath programming.

Immediately upon my arrival at Hillel, I approached five students whom I recognized from an Israel event at Hillel just three days earlier. After carefully listening to them, it was my understanding that they were there to voice their opposition to the current situation in Israel. I then asked respectfully that they understand the desire of the students inside to celebrate the sabbath, a time of rest, separation and holiness. With one exception, they agreed and said they understood.

The insinuation that Hillel encourages ignorance by stifling questions and comments that are not pro-Israel is unfortunate and untrue. Students of all faiths, including these gentlemen, attended the Hillel event with Israeli Minister of Transportation Ephraim Sneh on April 9 without issue, asking important and difficult questions.

These same students have attended a number of Israel-based events at Hillel and on campus without a problem, some wearing kefiyyas and never being asked to remove them. They are invited back to Hillel, including on the sabbath for sabbath celebration, and to hear Dennis Ross on April 28 where they are welcome to ask tough, challenging questions that just might create uneasiness and tension.
-Simon Amiel
executive director, GW Hillel