Hillel rabbi in Georgia's Emory fired over fiance's Israel criticism, pro-Palestinian posts

Rabbi Nikki Golomb was fired from her position at Emory University Hillel in August 2026 after her fiancé, Sam Stein, posted criticisms of Israel and pro-Palestinian content on social media. Golomb told Jewish Currents she was hired July 1 and fired August 3, with Hillel's CEO citing potential donor concerns from the Marcus Foundation. The firing has been criticized as political cancellation.

Rabbi Nikki Golomb was fired from her position as a Hillel rabbi at Emory University in Georgia in August 2026, after her fiancé posted criticisms of Israel and pro-Palestinian content on social media. Golomb told Jewish Currents that she began working at Emory Hillel on July 1 and was fired by the nonprofit that operates Hillels in Georgia on August 3. She stated that there were no questions about her own politics or performance, and that the firing was solely due to her relationship with someone critical of Israel. Golomb's fiancé, Sam Stein, is a journalist and activist who posts frequently from the West Bank, including videos of settler violence. According to Golomb, Hillel's Georgia CEO, Larry Sernovitz, told her that the Marcus Foundation, a major Hillel donor, might cut off funding if it learned about her engagement. Sernovitz responded to inquiries saying the decision was made for legitimate, work-related reasons and in accordance with policies. The article notes that Golomb was told she would not receive severance pay. The director emeritus of UCLA Hillel called the firing an act of political cancellation and intolerance.