Who we are

Maroons for Israel is an independent, student-led campus organization dedicated to promoting an inclusive and engaging pro-Israel environment at the University of Chicago.

What we do

We are committed to creating a positive pro-Israel environment and to supporting members of the Jewish community. We organize various events throughout the year to engage students with Israeli culture and politics and to cultivate a more informed student body.

Our presence on campus is felt in many ways: picnics on the quad bringing Jewish and Israeli students together, Israel Week events celebrating Israel’s independence, speaker events, as well as educational resources.

Importantly, we work with the University’s administration to ensure safety and acceptance of our Jewish and Israeli students, especially in the face of political escalation on campus.

  • Each year Maroons for Israel brings a vibrant celebration of Israel's culture and statehood to campus. Events range from picnics and Israeli-style shuks on the quad to guest speakers and discussions focused on Israeli politics and culture. During Israel week, Jewish and Israeli students have the opportunity to come together to learn and celebrate Israel and are able to express their connections with Israel within the space of a college campus.

  • The 2023-24 academic year was a difficult time on many college campuses, including UChicago’s. In the weeks and months following Oct. 7, Maroons for Israel worked hard to provide a strong pro-Israel voice on campus and to support the pro-Israel and Jewish community in many ways: with gatherings, rallies, educational programming, installations on the quad, and more.

    With the rise of encampments on other campuses in May 2024, student protesters flocked the UChicago quad and set up tents. Posters and chants that contained threatening and hurtful messages towards Israeli and Jewish students were tolerated and even promoted on the main quad by some of our peers.

    In response, Maroons for Israel worked tirelessly to ensure that Jewish voices were heard too. MFI organized picnics on the quad to create a space for students to come together and feel safe in the presence of other Jews amidst the chaos of the encampment. Israeli flags and hostage posters were put up, despite being torn down numerous times. MFI members were committed to making sure posters were returned to their place on the quad and worked with the university to approve all installations. MFI board members advocated for the protection of our fellow Jewish and pro-Israel students, meeting with UChicago administrators and providing resources and support to the broader community.

  • Several times a year, the UChicago quad becomes a place to celebrate Jewish identity. Although college campuses can be difficult environments for one to express his or her Jewish identity, especially given the recent rise in antisemitism, MFI works to make sure that UChicago remains a campus where students can unabashedly connect with their Jewish identity. Both during Israel week and throughout the year, MFI members organize picnics on the quad featuring Israeli music and food and an over-all positive environment where students to come together and celebrate Israel.