Tikkun Olam Society
The Tikkun Olam Society, a collaboration between UNCF, the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS) 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 Society 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 Society participants explore narratives of resilience, advocacy and the intertwined struggles for justice.
During the 2025-2026 school year, the Tikkun Olam Society seeks to bring 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 Society 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.
This year, Unity Dinners will be held in 14 cities across the country:
- Houston: September 9
- New Orleans: September 15
- Baltimore: September 17
- Philadelphia: September 28
- New York City: November 12
- Charlotte: February 24
- Atlanta: TBA
- Memphis: TBA
- Montgomery: TBA
- Raleigh: TBA
- Richmond: TBA
- Tallahassee: TBA
- Los Angeles: TBA
- Washington, DC: TBA
Unity Summit
In addition to Unity Dinners throughout the year, the Tikkun Olam Society also holds an annual Unity Summit, organized by UNCF, FCAS and Hillel International, creating space for expanded conversations and actions that meaningfully bridge divides and create a more unified future. These summits bring together Black and Jewish college students as well as current and former professional athletes.
The second annual Unity Summit will be held in Los Angeles, during the NBA All-Star Weekend on Feb. 13-15, 2026. Last year’s summit was held at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans during Super Bowl LIX, connecting more than 100 students.
For more information, contact:
John H. Eaves, Ph.D., Program Director, Tikkun Olam Society and Social Innovation Fund: Black – Jewish Partnerships for Social Justice Program