Story perspectives

UCLA Student Govt Faces Backlash Over Pro-War Hillel Letter

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

UCLA student government issued a letter calling the April 14 Hillel event with hostage Omer Shem Tov a platform legitimizing Israel’s war.
UC Regent Jay Sures said the council ignored victims of the Oct. 7 attacks and praised protections.
Administration will review the letter’s issuance and has called the event contrary to Bruin values.
Student government president Diego Bollo said the resolution passed without his knowledge, pledged a review and reaffirmed his commitment.

History

Historical Context

After a 2010 student-led divestment push at Berkeley was vetoed, governance—shaped by historic campaigns such as the 2015 UC Student Association’s 9-1 vote and the 2002 Columbia petition against firms supplying Israel—kept the issue alive. Today UCLA’s student government resolution draws criticism from Regent Jay Sures and President Diego Bollo, echoing unresolved legal and policy battles.

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Story summary

UCLA student government issued a letter calling the April 14 Hillel event with hostage Omer Shem Tov a platform legitimizing Israel’s war.
UC Regent Jay Sures said the council ignored victims of the Oct. 7 attacks and praised protections.
Administration will review the letter’s issuance and has called the event contrary to Bruin values.
Student government president Diego Bollo said the resolution passed without his knowledge, pledged a review and reaffirmed his commitment.

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