Swarthmore College’s former Hillel voted to rename itself the Swarthmore Kehilah, meaning “community.”
The name change announced March 22 follows the decision by the campus Jewish organization to drop its affiliation with Hillel International over restrictions on Israel issues.
In December 2013, the Hillel of Swarthmore College, near Philadelphia, declared itself an Open Hillel, saying it would not abide by Hillel International’s rules prohibiting partnering with or hosting groups or speakers who deny Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish or democratic state; delegitimize, demonize or apply a double standard to Israel; or support the boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign against Israel.
On March 16, Hillel International emailed a letter to Swarthmore deans threatening legal action if students at the college’s Hillel chapter hosted an upcoming program with speakers espousing anti-Israel or pro-BDS viewpoints. — jta