On Feb. 9, Rabbi Seth Winberg sent an email to the Brandeis community with the subject line “Addressing Misinformation About Hillel at Brandeis.” 

Winberg began his email by thanking the community and student volunteers for the most recent Shabbat dinner, which reflected the strength of the Jewish community at Brandeis. 

He then addressed rumors that Hillel at Brandeis is assisting “a group of students identifying as the ‘Jewish Bund.’ Winberg encouraged everyone to “approach rumors with skepticism and verify information before accepting it as fact.” He then clarified that the Jewish Bund, which he called an “anti-Zionist” group, does not receive recognition or support from Hillel nor is it recognized as an official Brandeis student organization. 

Winberg also mentioned that the Jewish Bund has conducted activities in Farber Library “that many students have found disruptive, hindering its function as a space for focused study and scholarship.” He then stated that some individuals connected with the Bund had misrepresented Hillel, and misused Hillel’s space reservations, and that Hillel is “exploring appropriate steps in response.” 

Winberg recognized that as a campus rabbi and Hillel professional, “misunderstandings about our role are inevitable.” He expressed Hillel’s “deep commitment to nuance and education, as well as our unwavering support for Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with safe and secure borders.” 

The email closed off with a reminder that “Hillel remains committed to fostering a welcoming, vibrant, and supportive Jewish community” as well as a campus where free expression is upheld. Winberg encouraged students with concerns about “community standards, harassment, or discrimination” to report them to the University.