Last winter semester, Hillél Montreal took a leading role in defeating a one-sided resolution proposed by a student member of the Society for Palestinian Human Rights (SPHR) that was designed to demonize Israel and divide the student population at McGill University. It called for the Students Society, Principal Heather Monroe-Blum, and the Government of Canada to condemn the bombings of educational and UN institutions in Gaza. Hillel’s position was that the job of the Students Society is to foster an environment conducive to academic integrity, dialogue, and trust between students. The student body’s decision to table the motion indefinitely, supported by an overwhelming majority, has helped ensure that McGill will remain a positive space for all its students. (more…)

This school year started off strong with “Rosh HaShamadan”- an event held by Concordia Hillel with  the  Concordia Muslim Student Association at the Jack Reitman Hillel House – with more than 10 members from each club, the head of the Chaplaincy, and most of the Concordia Student Union Executive. The response was overwhelming including non-stop phone calls from Concordia Communications Department trying to get the story out.

Because fewer students were able to secure jobs over the summer and more young adults are in school because fewer full-time jobs are available, it’s a tough time to be a student. Many may not even be able to afford food, let alone pay tuition. Responding to this situation, Hillel, with over 20 other clubs on Montreal campuses, held  a “Students For Students” food drive to collect non-perishable food items for Bon Acceuil – who were  very happy with the results. More than 40 cases, and 20,000 pounds, of food were collected.

In light of the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, a student run environmental group called Climate Action Montreal organized a panel discussion called “Canada & Climate Change: Epic Fail.” The event outlined the basics of the science and policy of Climate Change, Canada’s response, and illuminated the issues of the tar sands. Hillel was among the sponsors for the event, along with Powershift Climate Action Montreal in collaboration with the Dawson Student Union, SSMU Environment Committee, Sustainable Concordia, Concordia Student Union, and Challenge Your World.

In line with Tikkun Olam, the ethic of Bal Tashchit and V’ahavta L’reechah Kmochah, Hillel students have stood up against environmental degradation to create a panel to enlighten fellow students and provide an outlet for students to take action and stand up for their values.