WHAT IS YAD B’YAD AT STANFORD?
Yad b’Yad means “hand in hand” in Hebrew. Yad b’Yad at Stanford is an alliance of Jewish and Israeli communities at Stanford University. Our members include organizations such as Hillel and Chabad, as well as faculty, staff, student, alumni, and parent groups supporting Jewish and Israeli life on campus. Academic programs and other University offices are not alliance members; however, many faculty and Stanford staff are actively engaged. (To see a list of all members, visit the Directory.)
WHEN AND WHY WAS YAD B’YAD AT STANFORD LAUNCHED?
WHEN. Yad b’Yad at Stanford was launched in April 2025 with support of the Stanford Jewish Alumni Network (S-JAN). Seizing on both the need and opportunity to bring together all Stanford Jewish and Israeli groups, S-JAN initiated outreach to build relationships, share information, and collaborate.
WHY. Yad b’Yad at Stanford was created after the University administration determined that it would not replace the Subcommittee on Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Bias, which was formed following the events on campus after October 7, 2023. As a consequence of that decision, there remained no entity whose purpose was to address the concerns and recommendations raised by the Subcommittee’s Report issued in June 2024, as well as by the previous recommendations of the 2022 Report of the Advisory Task Force on the History of Jewish Admissions and Experience at Stanford.
OUR MISSION & GOALS - To foster meaningful exchanges, connections and collaborations among Stanford’s Jewish and Israeli communities
Infused with Jewish values, Yad b’ Yad at Stanford members engage in a range of activities:
Celebrating and Collaborating. Celebrating individual and group milestones and accomplishments together and identifying opportunities to collaborate on programming and events. Examples may include: Jewish and/or Israeli holidays such as Chanukah, Purim, Pesach, Yom Ha’atzmaut, etc.
Communicating.Taking into account the University’s actions, national and world events, as well as on-campus developments, the group may articulate and implement strategies to address student, staff, faculty, alumni and other community needs related to antisemitism and anti-Israeli bias. Information may be shared among Yad b’Yad at Stanford member groups and their constituents; between member groups and the University; and between member groups with Jewish and Israeli communities at other universities.
Connecting. Promoting networking among leaders of member groups so that all participants may benefit from developing professional and/or personal relationships.
Learning and Listening. Learning from one another and from knowledgeable experts about Stanford and about Jewish and Israeli matters relevant to members. Listening to members regarding matters or situations that may impact individuals.
Problem Solving and Service. Working together to identify issues of common concern, present options for resolution, and identify best courses of action. Supporting member groups and allies on issues of concern.
Recruiting. Enhancing efforts to recruit and encourage qualified members of Jewish and Israeli communities to apply to Stanford for undergraduate and graduate degrees, and choose to attend Stanford if admitted.