HomeCommunity organizations7th annual “Spread Cream Cheese Not Hate” Bagel Day program seeks 7,000 signatures to combat antisemitism

7th annual “Spread Cream Cheese Not Hate” Bagel Day program seeks 7,000 signatures to combat antisemitism

January 27, 2026

Press release from Hillel at the University of Florida

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – This Wednesday, January 28, the University of Florida (UF) campus will come together to stand against antisemitism during Hillel at University of Florida’s 7th Annual “Spread Cream Cheese Not Hate” Bagel Day program. The event will bring together more than 630 student volunteers — both Jewish and non-Jewish — along with over 120 student organizations participating in the campus partner program. This is an increase from 546 volunteers and 106 partners in 2025, underlining the ongoing importance and relevance of combating antisemitism and hate on college campuses.

Led by a leadership team of nearly 40 students in partnership with the Hillel staff, the program’s 2026 goal is to secure 7,000 signatures on the “Spread Cream Cheese Not Hate” pledge. By signing the pledge, individuals commit to combat antisemitism and all forms of hate. The 2025 pledge garnered the support of 6,598 signers with 70% identifying as non-Jewish allies, an increase from 5,300 signers in 2024. In appreciation for signing the pledge, participants can pick up a free bagel and cream cheese, courtesy of Hillel at one of four locations on Wednesday —Turlington Plaza, the Plaza of the Americas, Levin College of Law courtyard or HPNP Courtyard — between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

The bagel serves as an invitation for a conversation. Student volunteers are not only at each of these locations to distribute bagels, but to engage in dialogue with their fellow students, faculty, and staff about their personal experiences with antisemitism and its long history. With one of the largest Jewish student populations in the country, UF is positioned to be a leader in this space, and Hillel’s program is seen as a model to other campuses around the country. 

“Spread Cream Cheese Not Hate” was founded in January 2020 by the Diane and Howard Schilit Hillel at University of Florida to combat antisemitism through education, dialogue, and community-building. This year’s event highlights the strength of collaboration, with diverse campus partners and generous sponsors making the program possible.

Key Philanthropic Sponsors of the 2026 Bagel Day program include:

  • Greenberg Traurig, 2026 Lead Sponsor
  • Simon Foundation (FL)
  • Greenspoon Marder
  • Jewish Federation of Broward County
  • Drs. Michelle & Ben Bassichis
  • Alana Ginsburg Horowitz & Adam Horowitz
  • Jewish Federation of Volusia and Flagler Counties, Inc.
  • The Rappoport Family
  • Anonymous

Students, faculty, alumni, families, and Gainesville community members are invited to sign the pledge. 

For more information about “Spread Cream Cheese Not Hate” and to sign the pledge, visit ufhillel.org/bagelday.

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