CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — The recent release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas has been described as “a major turning point for the Israeli public.” Erez Cohen, Executive Director of Illini Hillel, says that once all hostages return, “Israeli society can begin the healing process from the horrific attack on October 7th, giving a sense of closure and the ability to reimagine a future in the Middle East.”

Cohen also addressed the atmosphere on the University of Illinois campus, saying, “Personally, I hope that the return of the hostages and a move towards a peace deal will also help alleviate some of the toxic environment that exists on campus. In the last two years we have seen too many instances where people channeled their anxiety over affairs in the Middle East into unnecessary hostile expression against the Jewish community right here in Champaign Urbana. That was never acceptable, never affected change across the sea, and that still needs to cease.”

Back History of Anti‑Israel Sentiment at UIUC

Over recent years, the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign has seen multiple incidents and reports signaling growing campus tensions linked to Israel‑Palestine issues:

• In 2024, student activists erected an encampment on the Main Quad calling for divestment from companies tied to Israel. That protest led to felony “mob action” charges against several students.

• Also in April 2024, pro‑Palestinian groups camped out overnight near Foellinger Auditorium, demanding divestment, which resulted in arrests and disputed negotiations with university officials.

• In 2024, the university entered into a resolution agreement with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights after finding that between 2015 and 2023 there were 139 reported incidents of discrimination, nearly all of which were anti‑Jewish. These included vandalism, harassment, flyers with antisemitic messages, and other hostilities.

• Protests and rallies organized by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) have taken place regularly; for example, in October 2023 dozens rallied at the Alma Mater in support of Palestine, chanting slogans and calling for divestment.

These events have prompted ongoing debates about free speech, protest policy, and how best to ensure the safety and inclusion of Jewish students, pro‑Israel students, and others affected by global conflict and campus activism.

Cohen, who was born and raised in Tel Aviv, holds a B.A. in Political Science and an M.A. in Diplomacy from Tel Aviv University. Before taking on the leadership role at Illini Hillel, he served as an Israel Fellow at UIUC, volunteered as a Project Manager in East Africa, worked for the Jaffa Institute, and held positions in Tel Aviv’s community centers.

As Israel begins a new chapter, Cohen’s words highlight the work that remains on home soil: rebuilding trust, understanding, and common purpose.