Hillel rabbi in Georgia's Emory fired over fiance's Israel criticism, pro-Palestinian posts
According to Golomb, she began working at Emory Hillel on July 1, and was fired by the nonprofit that operates Hillels in Georgia on August 3.
Hillel rabbi Nikki Golomb was terminated from her position at Georgia's Emory University in August following her fiancé's critical posts about Israel on social media, according to Golomb's account provided to Jewish Currents. Golomb, who started her job at Emory Hillel on July 1, received no prior warning or discussion regarding her political views or activities.
She attributes her termination solely to her relationship with Sam Stein, a social media activist and journalist who frequently shares content from the West Bank, often depicting settler violence.
Stein identifies himself as a "protective presence activist and journalist" and posts extensively from the West Bank, including videos showcasing settler actions. Golomb maintains that her fiancé's political stance is unrelated to her job performance and her ability to fulfill the responsibilities assigned to her as a Hillel rabbi.
Before her employment, Golomb was assured by Hillel that Israel and Zionism, as well as supporting Zionist students, would be significant aspects of the organization and her role. Despite her personal connection to the land of Israel, Golomb expressed a profound sense of disconnection due to her fiancé's activism.
According to Golomb, Larry Sernovitz, the CEO of the Hillel Foundation for Georgia, informed her that the Marcus Foundation, a major donor to Hillel, threatened to cut its funding if they discovered her engagement to Stein. Additionally, Golomb reported being informed that she would not be given severance pay upon her dismissal.
In response to inquiries from Jewish Currents, Sernovitz stated that the decision was made in compliance with federal and state laws, did not breach any policies, and was made for legitimate, work-related reasons, in line with their policies.
Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller, the director emeritus of UCLA Hillel, characterized Golomb's termination as an act of political censorship and intolerance.
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