FAU Hillel Hosts 'Spread Cream Cheese, Not Hate' Event

Student organization aims to fight antisemitism on campus through signature pledge and community outreach.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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On Thursday, Hillel at Florida Atlantic University hosted its annual 'Spread Cream Cheese, Not Hate' event, which encourages students to sign a pledge rejecting antisemitism and engaging in conversations about Judaism. The initiative, launched by the University of Florida's Hillel chapter in 2020, has since spread to multiple universities in Florida. FAU Hillel set up stations on campus, handing out free bagels with cream cheese and merchandise, with the goal of reaching 1,000 signatures this year.

Why it matters

The event aims to raise awareness about antisemitism on college campuses and promote allyship and education among the student body. By having students sign the pledge, Hillel hopes to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for Jewish students at FAU.

The details

FAU Hillel associate director Jessica Rykus emphasized that the initiative is about more than just signing a piece of paper, but also about follow-up and creating lasting allyship. So far, the organization has received around 717 signatures, with more still coming in from social media. The event was supported by 11 other organizations, and Boca Raton campus governor candidate May Rojas showed up to help, citing her personal connection to Hillel and her Quaker values of community service, love, and friendship.

  • The event took place on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Hillel at Florida Atlantic University

A student organization that aims to fight antisemitism on campus and promote engagement with Judaism.

Jessica Rykus

The associate director at Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach, who shared the organization's goal of reaching 1,000 signatures this year.

Hannah Schorr

The springboard fellow of Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach, who reported that the organization has received around 717 signatures so far.

Richie Edwards

A junior at FAU who expressed his support for Hillel's mission, even though he is not Jewish himself.

May Rojas

A candidate for Boca Raton campus governor who showed up to support the event, citing her personal connection to Hillel and her Quaker values.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of what we do is not just signing a piece of paper, it's how we follow up and how we create allyship and educate properly so students know what to say, how to say, and when to say.”

— Jessica Rykus, Associate Director at Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach (upressonline.com)

“They were really nice, made me feel welcome.”

— Richie Edwards, Junior at FAU (upressonline.com)

“On a personal level, I love the people at Hillel. On a second level, as a Quaker, we support community service, love, and friendship.”

— May Rojas, Candidate for Boca Raton campus governor (upressonline.com)

What’s next

Hillel at FAU plans to continue collecting signatures and promoting the 'Spread Cream Cheese, Not Hate' pledge throughout the semester, with the goal of reaching 1,000 signatures by the end of the academic year.

The takeaway

This event demonstrates Hillel's commitment to fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment for Jewish students at FAU, and the broader campus community's willingness to stand in solidarity against antisemitism through simple acts of kindness and community engagement.