New School Hillel Defunding Controversy: Student Senate Targets Israel Ties

The Student Senate's Decision to Suspend Hillel Funding

On May 1, 2026, the University Student Senate (USS) at The New School in New York City made headlines by voting to place the campus Hillel chapter in 'not in good standing' status. This action suspended all future funding and collaboration with the group, which serves approximately 700 Jewish students out of the university's total enrollment of around 9,000 undergraduates and graduates. The decision stemmed from a detailed 38-page report compiled by the USS's newly formed Registered Student Organization (RSO) Compliance Committee, in consultation with human rights and legal experts. The report alleged that Hillel's affiliations and programs constituted material support for violations of international law, primarily linked to Israel's military actions.

The USS argued that continuing to allocate student fees—about $8 per semester per student to various groups—would make the student body complicit in these alleged violations. Hillel was accused of facilitating programs like 'Hillel on Base,' where students volunteer on Israel Defense Forces (IDF) bases, providing logistical support such as packing rations and preparing meals for soldiers involved in operations in Gaza and other areas. Specific bases mentioned include Tze'elim and Hatzerim, associated with units like Oketz (K9 unit), Kfir Brigade, Golani Brigade, and Handasa Combat Engineering Corps, which human rights organizations have accused of war crimes.

Other programs highlighted were Birthright Israel trips, which include activities in the Golan Heights—recognized by the United Nations as occupied Syrian territory—and Onward Israel internships that allegedly route participants to IDF bases via organizations like Volunteers for Israel (Sar-El). The report cited evidence from Hillel's Instagram posts showing students in IDF uniforms on bases, IRS Form 990 filings disclosing $20,205 spent on 'Student Trips to Israel,' and rulings from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), United Nations, and International Criminal Court (ICC) on plausible genocide and war crimes by Israel.

Conditions for Hillel's Reinstatement and USS Rationale

To regain good standing, Hillel would need to sever ties with Hillel International and its local affiliate Hillel at Baruch College, renounce participation in Birthright, Onward Israel, and similar programs, and publicly affirm adherence to international law. The USS emphasized that the decision was not based on political opinion, religion, or free speech but on compliance with university policies requiring RSOs to uphold international law—a new standard introduced earlier in 2026.

The USS framed this as a 'landmark decision' to hold student groups accountable, noting Hillel International's receipt of $22 million from Israel's government via Mosaic United and partnerships with the Jewish Agency, which places IDF veterans on campuses. Pro-Palestinian groups and CAIR-NY hailed it as a step toward accountability, while critics saw it as discriminatory.

University Administration Swiftly Rejects the Vote

The New School's administration responded within 24 hours, on May 2, stating unequivocally that the USS lacks authority over RSO recognition, funding eligibility, or status. 'Our Hillel chapter remains, as it always has been, in good standing, eligible for funding, and supporting Jewish life at The New School,' a spokesperson said. The university committed to 'immediate steps to address the USS’s action and ensure it acts within its actual purview.'

This overrule aligns with standard higher education practices, where student governments allocate funds but administrations retain final say on group status to prevent discrimination or viewpoint suppression. The New School reiterated its founding values: rejection of violence, hate, and discrimination, commitment to open dialogue for all community members.

Hillel's Response and Ongoing Dialogues

Hillel International President Adam Lehman condemned the vote as rooted in 'age-old antisemitic tropes,' highlighting the irony given The New School's history. 'The New School famously sheltered Jewish intellectuals fleeing Nazi persecution—and yet its student senate voted to deprive Hillel of funding unless it severs ties with Hillel International,' he said. The organization is in active talks with university leadership and Jewish community partners to safeguard Jewish students' access to resources.

Hillel at The New School, part of the network serving 200,000 students across 850 campuses, focuses on building community, religious observance, and socialization. It denied political motivations, emphasizing inclusivity.

Reactions from Stakeholders and Critics

The decision drew sharp backlash from Jewish organizations and leaders. Mark Treyger of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York called it a 'chilling message' targeting Jewish identity amid rising antisemitism. NYC Council Member Eric Dinowitz labeled it a 'direct attack on Jewish life.' Alumni expressed shame, predicting enrollment and donation drops.

• ADL has graded The New School 'F' in past antisemitism report cards, noting persistent issues.
• Hillel tracked 2,334 antisemitic incidents on US campuses in 2024-25 (highest ever), 1,287 in 2025-26 so far; 42% of Jewish students report experiencing it.
• 56% of Jewish students impacted since October 7, 2023.

Pro-Palestinian voices celebrated, but the university's DOE Title VI probe for antisemitism (ongoing since 2024) adds scrutiny.

The New School's Historical Legacy and Irony

Founded in 1919 as a progressive haven, The New School created the 'University in Exile' in 1933, rescuing over 180 Jewish intellectuals from Nazi Germany with Rockefeller support—the only non-governmental effort amid US quotas rejecting most refugees. This legacy of protecting Jewish scholars fleeing persecution contrasts sharply with current events.

Recent enrollment declines (20% from peak, ~8,400 expected next semester) amid higher ed challenges amplify sensitivities.

Broadening Campus Tensions: Antisemitism and Israel Debates

This incident reflects post-October 7, 2023 trends: 60+ universities under DOE antisemitism probes, including The New School. Hillel faces defunding calls at Baruch, Hunter, Pitt, Drexel, UCSC—first successful student vote here, swiftly overruled. Experts note student senates often lack binding power over RSOs; admins protect against discrimination.

ADL's 2026 Report Card shows progress (36% A/B grades vs 23.5% prior), but incidents remain high. 68% of affected Jewish students hide identity.

Implications for Student Governance and University Policies

Student senates typically manage allocations but not status; overreach risks Title VI violations. USS's new intl law compliance bill (April 2026) targets RSOs, but admin intervention prevents precedent. Legal experts suggest potential lawsuits over discrimination.

For Jewish students, threats to Hillel—central for Shabbat, holidays, community—exacerbate isolation amid 42% antisemitism exposure.

Similar Efforts and National Context

While first for Hillel, BDS resolutions targeted groups elsewhere. Protests at Baruch chanted against 'Hillel genocide support.' Rising incidents (10x pre-2023) prompt antisemitism centers at universities.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Paths Forward

With admin backing Hillel, focus shifts to dialogue. Recommendations include clear RSO policies, antisemitism training, balanced intl law education. Universities like those improving ADL grades show progress via surveys, policy reviews. For higher ed, balancing activism, free speech, inclusion remains key amid enrollment pressures and federal scrutiny.

Stakeholders urge proactive steps: Hillel's Campus Climate Initiative aids campuses; admins enforce equity. Jewish students seek safe spaces; pro-Pal voices accountability—constructive paths exist through policy, not exclusion.