CSUSM Hillel Presented Holocaust Survivor & Author Goldie Jacoby

Goldie Jacoby

On Yom HaShoah, Hillel CSUSM presented to a waiting-room-only crowd Goldie Jacoby, one of the youngest Holocaust survivors, to tell her story of hiding from the Nazis in a barn for more than two years.

Jacoby was born in Poland in 1937. She was just five when she and her family went into hiding from the Nazis in a cramped barn.  In recent years, Mrs. Jacoby has spent much of her time speaking to students in the Coachella Valley about her experiences during the Holocaust. Her book, The Last Survivor, published in 1997, tells the gripping story of her survival.

The student-planned and led Yom HaShoah event is an annual highlight for CSUSM and the biggest event of the year. Students were deep into planning this event when it got moved online. So, Hillel turned the event into a virtual experience and extended its reach beyond CSUSM, North County, San Diego to everyone who wanted to log in and listen. We welcomed students from several campuses, alumni, faculty, many community members, and Hillel of San Diego Board members.

Goldie adapted seamlessly to the new platform and was able to share her story of survival with a much broader community than we would otherwise have had.

Other Stories From Hillel

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Everything is different. Everything is the same. As we enter a holiday that reminds us to look to Jerusalem, welcome the stranger, and remember our heritage, one can’t help but think how this year feels different, especially on campus. Yet Hillel of San Diego is a constant—deeply committed to supporting Jewish life for our collective future. And so, I invite us to think about a new set of four questions for our Hillel Passover this year.

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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.

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