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

j

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

Heart of Hillel: Meet Sonia

November 14, 2025

Sonia is a retired UCSD faculty member and a proud parent of Triton and Torero alumni. She didn’t have Hillel when she was in college, but she made sure her children did. And once she saw the impact Hillel had on them, she jumped in with both feet, eventually joining the Hillel of San Diego Board of Directors.

Heart of Hillel: Brad & Karen

November 6, 2025

Brad and Karen’s story is one of legacy, family, and deep belief in the power of Jewish community.

You’re going to want to read this!

November 2, 2025

Your support is what makes Jewish life on campus thrive and ensures a strong Jewish future for all of us. So for the month of November, we want to talk about and celebrate the people who make it all possible and share YOUR impact. Hillel of San Diego thrives because of parents, alumni, San Diegans, and everyone who believes in the power of the next generation.

Scroll to Top