Israel at Texas Hillel

Texas Hillel is committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and intellectually rigorous approach to Israel engagement. Through education, leadership development, cultural programming, immersive experiences, and campus partnerships, we support students in building meaningful connections to Israel while developing the skills to navigate complex conversations with confidence, curiosity, and nuance.

Israel Education & Learning

Israel education at Texas Hillel goes beyond headlines and talking points. We create spaces for students to engage deeply with Israel’s history, people, culture, and current realities—embracing complexity, diversity of perspectives, and thoughtful dialogue. Students can participate in the Kol Yisrael Learning Fellowship, a 6-week cohort experience that invites students to explore hot-button issues, grapple with differing narratives, and strengthen their ability to engage in respectful, informed conversations about Israel on campus and beyond. Each week, students can also practice their Hebrew and build community at Café Ivrit, a casual, welcoming space to speak Hebrew with peers (and even earn extra credit for Hebrew courses!). Cultural programs throughout the year highlight Israeli music, food, holidays, and traditions, creating accessible entry points for students at every level of connection.

Leadership Development & Campus Involvement

Texas Hillel partners with leading national and international organizations to offer students robust leadership and professional development opportunities connected to Israel. These partnerships include AIPAC, BICEP/StandWithUs, Birthright Israel, Hillel International, IAC Mishelanu, Israel on Campus Coalition, and Maccabee Task Force. On campus, students can join LonghornPAC, AIPAC’s student chapter at UT Austin, or get involved with Students Supporting Israel (SSI). Israeli students can find community through Mishelanu, a group created by Israelis for Israelis, which hosts cultural programs such as Mimouna and other celebrations of Israeli life. These opportunities allow students to build leadership skills, engage in advocacy and education, and connect with peers locally and nationally.

Speaker Series & Campus Dialogue

Throughout the year, Texas Hillel hosts a dynamic Israel-focused speaker series featuring journalists, academics, educators, activists, and Israeli voices. These programs are designed to spark meaningful conversation, challenge assumptions, and equip students with tools for thoughtful engagement. Speaker events range from large campus-wide programs to more intimate, discussion-based forums, allowing students to ask hard questions, hear diverse perspectives, and develop confidence in navigating Israel-related dialogue in classrooms, student organizations, and future professional spaces. Past speakers include: Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Noa Tishby, Noa Argamani, Daniel Rubenstein, Sarah Hurwitz, Lee Yaron, and many more.

Israel Block Party

The annual Israel Block Party is the nation’s largest pro-Israel event on a college campus and a signature Texas Hillel tradition. Thousands of students gather for a high-energy celebration that offers a fun, immersive, and educational taste of Israel. The event features interactive educational booths, live entertainment, Israeli food, cultural experiences, camels, and more, creating an unforgettable entry point for students to engage with Israel in a joyful, accessible way. This event also serves as a key gateway into deeper Israel engagement, connecting students to year-round learning, leadership opportunities, and immersive experiences that extend far beyond a single event.

Immersive Experiences

Texas Hillel staff lead two Birthright Israel trips each year, offering students the opportunity to experience Israel firsthand, build lasting relationships, and deepen their personal connection to the Jewish people and the land of Israel. In addition, Texas Hillel supports students in participating in Birthright Israel Onward internship programs, providing meaningful professional experiences in Israel while building global networks and career skills. Finally, Texas Hillel provides campus leaders from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to experience Israel through its annual Perspectives Campus Leadership Trip, made possible by Maccabee Task Force. For more information about Birthright trips and the Birthright Israel Onward Internship program, please contact our IACT Coordinator. For more information about our MTF Perspectives Trip, please contact us here.