Coronavirus Stories: Hillel Edition | Jordan from Mozambique & South Africa

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Wendy McCreary, Campus Director at Hillel CSUSM, was thrilled to really ‘be there’ for an international Hillel student as he hurriedly flew home to Mozambique.

CSUSM Hillel student Jordan is from Mozambique and chose a four-year college program at CSUSM partly because he has an aunt in San Diego.

Wendy was especially worried about Jordan knowing he is an international student with very little support nearby. She checked in on him regularly as campus closure and travel information was constantly changing.

He seemed to have plans in order, but then the dorms were set to close. He decided to go home to Mozambique and had about half a week to prepare. When Jordan’s flight was canceled he booked another flight – now he had 3 days to prepare. That flight was canceled and his only option was less than 24 hours away so just a day to prepare!

His biggest stress was what to take and what and where to leave what he was going to leave. I allowed him to store some things at Hillel and assisted him with the move.

Wendy texted Jordan two hours before his flight to say, “Safe travels home.” Jordan, whose family is originally from South Africa, responded: “Thank you! I seriously am so extremely grateful for your generosity. I do not know what I would have done! Thank you!”

Other Stories From Hillel

Hey, it’s up to YOU

January 29, 2024

Last night at the Welcome Back BBQ, students planted their legacy tree in the backyard to memorialize those lost on October 7th and in the war. SDSU President Adela de la Torre was in attendance and spoke about how students were able to show up as leaders and leave a lasting legacy on their community through Hillel.

Supporting Students and Learning Together in 2024

January 12, 2024

Welcome to 2024! As we launch into the second half of our year, we continue to be hyper-focused on supporting students. This is done through a multitude of strategies.

First and foremost, we focus on imbuing pride in being Jewish. That looks like joyful shabbats, social bonfires, opportunities for lots of laughing…and lots of good food. Programs of joy are possible BECAUSE you support Hillel. Your generosity funds their joy.

What will Hillel look like in 2024?

December 28, 2023

“Dos pintele yid, ‘that little point of a Jew,’ refers to that spark of Jewishness in each of us that we can’t quite manage to ignore, no matter how hard we may try,” writes Sarah Hurwitz.

Dos pintele yid has been on our minds at Hillel every day, especially now. Our organization has radically expanded after October 7th. This is not a crisis. This is the new normal, and what it means to be Jewish on campus has also changed.

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