To show their support for Israel during its recent conflict with Hamas in Gaza, UConn Hillel students joined the Code Red movement – an online campaign launched by the Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) in Australia to remind people of the Code Red alarm that warns residents to take cover when a rocket is launched and is heading toward an Israeli town or city. Like Jewish students at universities all across the globe, UConn students showed their support by donning red t-shirts and launching an initiative to educate their peers on the issues. UConn Hillel’s resident Israel Fellow, Algom Ben-Heron, also provided a personal perspective. Since arriving on campus this fall, Ben-Heron has brought new resources to the campus to expand campus education and advocacy. In response to his discussions, students have developed a safe space to make their voices heard throughout campus.

In mid-December, more than fifty UConn students will travel to Israel with Taglit Birthright Israel, a free ten-day trip for American Jews, ages 18-26.