New unique living space opens for Jews at University of Illinois
The housing is being offered as Private Certified Housing through the university, a program that is unique to the midwestern state.
By JERUSALEM POST STAFFHallene Gateway at the University of Illinois(photo credit: PWOJDACZ/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS)
The construction of America's first university-affiliated Jewish living quarters in the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is finally complete.The project was started in 2017, and the facilities are open to students applying for the class of 2021-2022.The residence includes 32 two-bedroom suites, with each containing modern furniture and Smart TVs, as well as Wi-Fi throughout the building.There will also be complimentary housekeeping and a beverage and snack bar – and, perhaps most importantly, study rooms."The response we’ve already received from students and parents alike tells us this is a very desired housing opportunity," said Lauren Ramshaw, the site manager from the Ramshaw Real Estate company responsible for managing the Chabad property."We look forward to serving the first class of Illini Chabad residents."The housing is being offered as Private Certified Housing through the university, a program that is unique to Illinois.The way it works is that private housing facilities become open to students who need housing.Rabbi Dovid Teichel and his wife Goldie have been energizing and leading the Jewish community on campus for the past 18 years through Chabad.
"After 18 years of growth in Jewish life for our campus, housing is the next big step. We are proud and excited for this new chapter," the couple said. Two weeks ago, a Jewish advisory council was established to combat antisemitism on campus.“This is a step forward, a good step forward, in solving the problem of dealing with antisemitism on campus,” council co-chairman Erez Cohen said at the time.The decision to establish a council was modeled after the success of the one at the University of California-Berkeley.The final report for the council is expected in May.