Jewish Student Population At The University Of Arizona

The University of Arizona has a Jewish student population of around 3,000 to 3,500, which equates to approximately 8.5% to 10% of the student body. The university has demonstrated its commitment to protecting its Jewish community and supporting free academic exchange, and offers a range of services and resources to support Jewish students, including Hillel International, kosher dining, and a Hillel Rabbi/Senior Jewish Educator.

Jewish students make up 8.5% of the University of Arizona's undergraduate population

The University of Arizona is committed to fostering a vibrant, diverse, meaningful, and empowered Jewish community on its campus. Located in Tucson, Arizona, the university is ranked in the top 60 in the US for its Jewish population. Jewish students make up 8.5% of the University of Arizona's undergraduate population, with around 3,500 Jewish students out of a total of 41,000 students enrolled.

The University of Arizona's Hillel chapter plays a crucial role in nurturing this vibrant Jewish community. Hillel at the University of Arizona offers a range of programs and initiatives that cater to the diverse needs of Jewish students. From cultural exploration of Israeli culture and travel to arts-and-crafts, leadership development, and Torah and Talmud study, Hillel provides a well-rounded Jewish experience. The Hillel building, conveniently located on campus, serves as a hub for Jewish students to gather, hang out, and study. It also offers kosher dining options and bi-weekly Shabbat dinners, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for Jewish students to connect and engage in Jewish life.

In addition to Hillel, the University of Arizona also has a Chabad on campus, known as "the Winners," and an Olami rabbi, Rabbi Wosner. These resources further enrich the Jewish community on campus and ensure that Jewish students have access to religious services, education, and support. The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond its Jewish community, as it strives to build sustainable relationships with Indigenous communities and foster an inclusive environment for all students.

The University of Arizona has also taken a strong stand against antisemitism and actively works to protect its Jewish students. The university's Center for Middle Eastern Studies ended its membership with the Middle East Studies Association (MESA) due to its advancement of a boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) resolution against Israel. This decision demonstrated the university's dedication to combating antisemitism and ensuring the safety and well-being of its Jewish students, earning praise from lawmakers and alumni.

The University of Arizona offers a Jewish Studies Major or Minor

The University of Arizona has a Jewish population of around 3,000 to 3,500 students, which equates to approximately 8.5% to 10% of the student population. The university is home to a Hillel Foundation, which facilitates the development of a vibrant, diverse, meaningful, and empowered Jewish community. The Hillel Foundation offers a range of activities, including student-driven programs, arts and crafts, Israeli culture and travel, fun trips, diverse learning fellowships, and leadership development.

The University of Arizona also offers a Jewish/Judaic Studies Major or Minor. The Major requires students to complete 34 JUS major units, of which 18 must be Upper-division. The Minor requires students to complete 18 units, with a minimum of 9 units being upper division. Both the Major and the Minor require students to take JUS 301 - Jewish Civilization: A Gateway Course. This course provides an introductory survey of Jewish civilization and serves as a gateway to more specialized courses in Judaic Studies.

The Jewish/Judaic Studies Major and Minor at the University of Arizona offer a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the study of Jewish culture and history. The curriculum covers a range of topics, including the history of the Jews, the history and religion of ancient Israel, modern Israel, and the history of anti-Semitism. The language requirements for the Major include reaching 4th-semester proficiency in a relevant foreign language, such as Hebrew, Arabic, Farsi, French, German, or Italian.

The University of Arizona's Jewish/Judaic Studies program provides students with a unique opportunity to explore and deepen their understanding of Jewish culture, history, and civilization. The program encourages critical inquiry and the dissemination of accurate information, contributing to the enhancement of Jewish life in the region and around the world.

Hillel International provides kosher dining and a Hillel Rabbi/Senior Jewish Educator

The University of Arizona is home to a Hillel International chapter that provides kosher dining and a Hillel Rabbi/Senior Jewish Educator.

Hillel International is a global organisation that aims to enrich the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world. It is the largest Jewish student organisation in the world, connecting with emerging adults at more than 550 colleges and universities, and inspiring them to direct their own path. Hillel International provides a space for Jewish students to meet new friends, explore their interests, celebrate Jewish holidays, and take a break between classes.

Hillel at the University of Arizona offers a vibrant, diverse, meaningful, and empowered Jewish community for its students. The Hillel building is conveniently located on campus, with several lounges where students can meet, hang out, or study. The Hillel chapter offers a range of activities, including student-driven programs and initiatives, arts and crafts, Israeli culture and travel, fun trips, diverse learning fellowships, professional and leadership development, Torah and Talmud study, high holy days, hikes, and more.

Hillel at the University of Arizona provides kosher dining options for its students. They offer Shabbat dinners every two weeks, which are generally meat meals. Additionally, they provide meals for Erev Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur break the fast, and the first Passover seder, as well as lunches during Passover weekdays. The Hillel chapter also serves kosher snacks and Nespresso coffee for students to enjoy.

The Hillel Rabbi/Senior Jewish Educator plays a critical role in engaging students and fostering their Jewish growth. They build personal relationships with the students, serve as role models, and develop new models of Jewish life on campus. The Rabbi/Educator helps students understand what it means to be a Jew, incorporating Jewish values and practices into their lives on campus and beyond. They cultivate interest among students to pursue careers in Jewish education, the cantorate, and non-profit leadership. The presence of the Hillel Rabbi/Senior Jewish Educator ensures that Jewish students at the University of Arizona have access to spiritual guidance, mentorship, and a sense of community during their college years.

The University of Arizona has ended ties with MESA to protect Jewish students

The University of Arizona has ended its association with the Middle East Studies Association (MESA) to protect its Jewish students from antisemitism. MESA, a non-profit organisation, recently voted in favour of a boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) resolution against Israel. This has sparked concerns about the safety of Jewish students on campus, as BDS resolutions have been linked to increased antisemitism and violence.

At MESA's annual meeting, 93% of members voted to advance a resolution to boycott Israel, claiming that the country has committed ""systematic violations" of the rights of Palestinian academics and students. However, critics argue that this ignores the diversity and collaboration found in Israeli academic institutions, where Jews, Muslims and Christians study and teach together.

Alma Hernandez, a Democratic member of the Arizona House of Representatives, praised the University of Arizona's decision to cut ties with MESA. She emphasised the need to protect Jewish students and uphold academic freedom. Hernandez also highlighted the role of universities in providing safe spaces for students from all backgrounds and fostering open academic exchange.

The University of Arizona's Center for Middle Eastern Studies ended its membership with MESA at the end of 2021. This decision was influenced by concerns about violating state laws and university policies that prohibit the use of public funds to support BDS campaigns. Florida State University also chose not to renew its membership with MESA for similar reasons.

The University of Arizona is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community for its Jewish students. With a Jewish population of around 3,000-3,500 students, which is about 8.5-10% of the student body, the university offers a range of resources and support through organisations like Hillel. Hillel at the University of Arizona aims to empower Jewish students to explore their identity, build leadership skills, and engage in Jewish life on their own terms.

The University of Arizona has a Hillel chapter to support Jewish students

The University of Arizona has a Hillel chapter that serves the needs of its Jewish students. Hillel International is an organisation that aims to help Jewish students build a vibrant, diverse, meaningful, and empowered Jewish community at the University of Arizona. The University of Arizona Hillel chapter is located on the corner of Mountain and 2nd, across from the Student Union Memorial Center in the middle of campus. The building is open during the school year from Monday to Thursday, 9:15 am–4:30 pm, and on Fridays from 10 am–3:30 pm. It also has evening and weekend hours based on specific holidays and programs.

The Hillel chapter offers a range of activities for students, including student-driven programs and initiatives, arts and crafts, Israeli culture and travel, fun trips, diverse learning fellowships (with stipends), professional and leadership development, Torah and Talmud study, and hikes. They also offer free kosher snacks and Nespresso coffee.

The Hillel chapter at the University of Arizona provides a space for Jewish students to explore their identity, build leadership skills, and engage in Jewish life on their own terms. It is a place where students can feel welcomed and supported, regardless of where they are on their Jewish journey.

The University of Arizona has a significant Jewish population, with estimates ranging from 3,000 to 3,500 Jewish students, which represents between 8.5% to 10% of the total student population. The Hillel chapter at the university plays an important role in supporting and engaging this large Jewish community on campus.

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