Janice Lozano
Binghamton University has a significant Jewish student population, with estimates ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 students. The university's Hillel chapter, one of the most active student organizations on campus, provides a wide range of social, cultural, educational, and religious programming for Jewish students. Binghamton University also offers Kosher dining options and religious services for its Jewish students. The university has faced scrutiny for its handling of antisemitism and anti-Zionist incidents on campus, with some Jewish students feeling alienated by pro-Palestinian activism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Jewish undergraduate students | 3,700 |
| Number of Jewish graduate students | 250 |
| Percentage of Jewish undergraduate students | 25.7% or 26% |
| Percentage of Jewish graduate students | 6.2% |
| Percentage of Jewish students in the total student body | 22% |
| Ranking by Hillel International by Jewish population | 11 |
| Number of students attending Sabbath dinner at Chabad Downtown | 100 |
| Number of students in the pro-Palestinian encampment | 20 |
| Number of Jewish students in the pro-Palestinian encampment | 6 |
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What You'll Learn
Jewish students make up 26% of Binghamton University's undergraduate population
Binghamton University is home to a vibrant Jewish community, with Jewish students making up a significant proportion of the undergraduate population. As of 2018, there were around 3,700 Jewish undergraduates at the university, comprising approximately 26% of the total undergraduate student body. This places Binghamton University among the top public universities in the country in terms of Jewish population.
The university's Hillel chapter, one of the most active student organizations on campus, plays a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community among Jewish students. Hillel at Binghamton offers a diverse range of social, cultural, educational, and religious programming. From celebrating Shabbat and holidays to providing career exploration opportunities, Hillel creates a pluralistic environment where Jewish students from diverse backgrounds can connect and thrive.
Chabad at Binghamton further enriches the Jewish student experience. Funded by donations, Chabad offers a variety of initiatives, including biweekly Sabbath dinners that attract almost 100 students. These gatherings provide a space for Jewish students to come together, honour traditions, and foster a sense of community. Additionally, Chabad's alternative graduation ceremony ensures that observant Jewish students can mark this important milestone in a way that aligns with their religious practices.
However, it is important to acknowledge that Jewish students at Binghamton University have also faced challenges. In recent years, there have been reports of antisemitism and anti-Zionist sentiment on campus. Incidents have included anti-Israel rallies, posters, and rhetoric, prompting an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights. Despite these issues, the university remains committed to supporting its Jewish students and fostering an inclusive environment.
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Hillel at Binghamton
The organization also has a strong focus on community service and volunteering. Hillel at Binghamton works closely with the university's Chabad, Jewish Greek life organizations, and the Center for Israel Studies (CIS) to provide support and resources to the university's Jewish students. Together, they advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility on campus.
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Discrimination and threats against Jewish students
Binghamton University is home to a vibrant Jewish community, with about 3,700 Jewish undergraduates and 250 Jewish graduate students, comprising around 22% of the total student body. The university provides kosher dining options and hosts various Jewish organizations, such as Hillel, Chabad, Jewish Greek life organizations, and a Center for Israel Studies (CIS). However, despite these accommodations, Jewish students at Binghamton University have faced discrimination and threats, prompting a Title VI investigation by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.
In January 2024, allegations surfaced that the university failed to address adequately incidents of antisemitism and anti-Zionist rhetoric at anti-Israel rallies on campus. One incident involved a classroom reserved for a Zionist Organization event being covered in anti-Israel posters. Additionally, at a "Walk out for Palestine" event, a student speaker compared Israel to Nazi Germany, sparking concerns about antisemitism. These incidents have led to a Title VI investigation to ensure the protection of Jewish students and their access to campus facilities and educational opportunities without fear or discrimination.
Binghamton University has pledged to update its training modules for staff, faculty, and students with antisemitism-related content during the annual revision. The university also collaborates with Hillel, Chabad, and other Jewish organizations to provide support and foster community for Jewish students. These efforts aim to create a more inclusive and safe environment for Jewish students on campus.
Jewish students at Binghamton University have access to a range of resources and organizations that promote fellowship and community. Hillel International ranks the university highly for its large Jewish population, and many Jewish students are attracted to the vibrant Jewish community on campus. The university offers religious services, Shabbat lunches, and cultural events, such as Sabbath dinners at Chabad Downtown, providing opportunities for Jewish students to connect and honor their traditions.
While Binghamton University has taken steps to address discrimination and foster an inclusive environment, the incidents of antisemitism and threats against Jewish students are concerning. The university's response to these incidents is being closely monitored, and ongoing efforts are necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish students on campus. It is crucial for the university to continue working towards creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their religious background.
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Kosher dining on campus
Binghamton University is home to a vibrant Jewish community, with about 3,700 Jewish undergraduates and 250 Jewish graduate students, comprising around 22% of the total student body. The university provides kosher dining options on campus to cater to the dietary needs of its Jewish students.
The Kosher Korner, located in one of the dining halls, offers kosher meals three times a day, except on Shabbat. It is overseen by the Orthodox Union and provides a variety of kosher options for students who keep kosher. The Kosher Korner is a popular spot for Jewish students on campus and is located in the C4 dining hall, which also offers a Halal station and a Simple Servings allergen-friendly station.
In addition to the Kosher Korner, Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) offers a diverse range of dining options across different halls. These include the Pacific Rim station at Hinman, which features Asian cuisine, and the pasta bar at Mountainview and App, where students can choose between whole-wheat and white pasta with various sauces and cheeses. The Expeditions Station at C4 offers a rotating menu with options like a lo mein bar, quesadillas, and chicken wings. The CIW Dining Hall features a BBQ station and a vegan Gifts from the Garden station with rotating options like Build-Your-Own Hot Pot and Sweet and Savory Sweet Potato Toast.
Binghamton University also has a vibrant Jewish community life beyond dining. Hillel at Binghamton provides a pluralistic environment for Jewish students from all backgrounds to explore their culture and religion. It offers a range of social, cultural, educational, and religious programming, including Friday night services with Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox options, and weekly Shabbat lunch. Chabad at Binghamton, funded by gifts from alumni, parents, and community members, also offers a biweekly Sabbath dinner, attracting almost 100 students.
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Alternative graduation ceremony for observant Jewish students
Binghamton University has a large Jewish student population, with around 3,700 Jewish undergraduates and 250 graduate students, comprising about 22% of the total student body. The university has hosted alternative graduation ceremonies to accommodate observant Jewish students and their families.
The Need for an Alternative Graduation Ceremony
In 2018, Binghamton University held its first alternative graduation ceremony for observant Jewish students. The university's usual commencement weekend fell during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, or the Feast of Weeks, which marks the revelation at Sinai. Observant Jewish families would have had to arrive on Friday before the onset of Shabbat and remain in Binghamton until Tuesday, as vehicular travel and the use of electric appliances and lights are prohibited by Jewish law on holidays. The alternative graduation ceremony allowed Jewish students and their families to fully participate in the commencement without compromising their religious beliefs.
The Ceremony
The alternative graduation ceremony, called the "Tekes Siyum" or Jewish Commencement Ceremony, was held in the Anderson Center Chamber Hall on campus. Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger and Provost Donald Nieman presided over the ceremony, with Risa Scharf as the student speaker. The ceremony began at 9:30 am on Friday, with doors opening at 9 am. A Tekes Siyum dinner was also held the previous evening from 6:30-8 pm.
Support for Jewish Students
Binghamton University is known for its vibrant Jewish community and support for Jewish students. The university provides Kosher dining options on campus, with the "Kosher Korner" located in one of the dining halls and serving meals three times a day except on Shabbat. Hillel at Binghamton offers a pluralistic environment for Jewish students from all backgrounds to explore their culture and religion. The university also has a Chabad, Jewish Greek life organizations, and a Center for Israel Studies (CIS).
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Frequently asked questions
There are around 3,700 Jewish students at Binghamton University, comprising 26% of the undergraduate student population. There are also about 250 Jewish graduate students, making up 6% of the graduate student population.
Binghamton University provides kosher dining on campus, with the "Kosher Korner" located in one of the dining halls, serving three meals per day except on Shabbat. Hillel at Binghamton offers religious services and programming for Jewish students, including Friday night Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox services, weekly Orthodox services on Saturday mornings, and weekly Shabbat lunch. There is also a Chabad, Jewish Greek life organizations, and a Center for Israel Studies (CIS) on campus.
The total student body at Binghamton University is around 17,727, and the Jewish student population makes up about 22% of that total.
