Tikkun Olam Initiative
The Tikkun Olam Initiative, a collaboration between UNCF, Blue Square Alliance | Stand Up to Jewish Hate and Hillel International, connects students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and from Hillels at predominantly White institutions (PWIs). Launched in 2024, the program builds cross-cultural understanding and cultivates a new generation of leaders committed to social justice and equity.
“Tikkun olam”, a phrase in Hebrew that means repairing the world, is a Jewish concept of responsibility to transform and address systemic issues and promote social justice. The Tikkun Olam Initiative fosters meaningful relationships between Black and Jewish students at HBCUs and PWIs. The program engages students in immersive experiences that encourage dialogue and collaboration as well as raise awareness of the historical and contemporary challenges faced by both communities. By confronting legacies of hate and discrimination, Tikkun Olam Initiative participants explore narratives of resilience, advocacy and the intertwined struggles for justice.
During the 2025-2026 school year, the Tikkun Olam Initiative brought together students from 80 American colleges and universities, creating a foundation for empathy, collaboration and social change.
Unity Dinners
An integral part of the Tikkun Olam Initiative is its Unity Dinners, which bring together students from HBCUs and from Hillels at PWIs. These powerful evenings create a space for students to connect, share experiences, form meaningful relationships that transcend cultural divides and develop social change initiatives to improve the Black-Jewish alliance.
Explore the meaningful connections made at Unity Dinners held across the 2025-26 academic year by viewing photo galleries of events in:
New Orleans
Baltimore
Philadelphia
Washington, DC
New York
Atlanta – Fall 2025
Houston
Tuscaloosa
Memphis
Tallahassee
Greensboro
Atlanta Unity Dinner and Fireside Chat in April 2026
Unity Summit
In addition to Unity Dinners throughout the year, the Tikkun Olam Initiative hosted two annual Unity Summits in 2026, organized by UNCF, FCAS and Hillel International. These summits brought together Black and Jewish college students as well as current and former professional athletes and created space for expanded conversations for a more unified future.
The first Unity Summit was held during Super Bowl Week on February 6, 2026 in San Francisco.
The second Unity Summit was held in Los Angeles, during the NBA All-Star Weekend on Feb. 13, 2026.
Last year’s summit was held at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans during Super Bowl LIX, connecting more than 100 students.
Upcoming Events
FREE Trivia Night by Blue Square Alliance and EXODUS Over Dinner
You’re invited to play Tango, a cooperative quiz game that will test your Black/Jewish trivia knowledge while building trust, respect, and connection with Black, Jewish and Black Jewish strangers and friends from across the country. This free virtual game night is hosted by Blue Square Alliance and EXODUS Over Dinner.
The games consist of three rounds, with 12–15 questions focused on culture, history, and Black-Jewish relations. Participants will be paired with an anonymous partner for a quick and engaging 15- to 20-minute game session. Each game night will also include an introduction to Tango and a debrief discussion with Tango inventor and Harvard social psychology professor Joshua Greene.
Please RSVP for one or multiple virtual game nights below (sign-up required):
Winners will receive a special prize from EXODUS Over Dinner and Blue Square Alliance Against Hate.