CUNY Branch Cancels Hillel Event in Honor of Israel’s Memorial Day

A City University of New York college recently called off an event organized by the Jewish campus group Hillel that was meant to honor Israel’s independence.

The decision was made due to worries about potential anti-Israel demonstrations.

The Hillel group at Kingsborough Community College, consisting of around 30 to 40 students, revealed that the planned on-campus event was canceled by the administration after requesting enhanced security in light of anti-Israel protests.

“We were disappointed and troubled by the college’s decision to cancel our Yom Hazikaron event instead of ensuring our protection from threats,” stated Susan Aranoff, the Hillel faculty advisor at Kingsborough and a business professor at the school, in an interview with the New York Jewish Week.

“The college should uphold freedom of expression for all.”

This development follows the cancellation of plans by another CUNY branch, Baruch College’s Hillel, to celebrate Israel’s independence.

A spokesperson for CUNY emphasized in a statement the institution’s dedication to ensuring the safety of all students, faculty, and staff members from violence, intimidation, and harassment.

“We also affirm that every member of our community has the constitutional right to free speech. CUNY is collaborating with campus leaders to guarantee the protection of all community members during school events.”