Jeff Linkon, the executive director of IU Hillel since Sep. 2024, will step down from his role at the end of June, according to a Feb. 26 email to IU Hillel students.
In the email, Linkon reflected on his tenure at The Helene G. Simon Hillel Center, praising the “strength, resilience, and heart” of the IU Hillel community.
Linkon was announced as the new executive director of IU Hillel on Sept. 19, 2024, following the departure of long-time director Rabbi Sue Silberberg. Previously, he worked as chief community operations officer at the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, where he helped to launch Safe Indiana, a security initiative protecting over 60 Jewish organizations across the state.
IU Hillel formed in 1938 and became a central community gathering place for Jewish students. According to the organization’s mission statement, it fosters “a warm, inclusive environment where students celebrate Jewish life, explore their identities, and form lifelong friendships,” supporting an estimated population of over 4,000 Jewish students at IU.
Located in the IU Hillel Center, the Jewish Culture Center was made in partnership with the Office of Student Life and focuses on offering opportunities for Jewish students and educating the campus community about Jewish culture.
During the transition, IU Hillel’s Governing Board Chair Michael Mervis will coordinate with Linkon, the governing board, Hillel International and local community leaders in Bloomington and Indianapolis to continue support for student needs, according to the email.
Linkon declined an interview with the Indiana Daily Student.
In the email, Linkon emphasized that he will “remain fully engaged and committed in the months ahead,” and expressed confidence in the organization’s trajectory.
“Thank you for sharing this amazing adventure with me,” Linkon wrote. “I look forward to the months ahead, and I wish you joy, success, and meaning as you continue your Jewish journeys.”
