Last year we saw a spike in antisemitism and anti-Zionism on campus. Coming back to in-person after the pandemic, we were anticipating it and we were prepared.
But you can’t just fight antisemitism and anti-Zionism when it comes up, you have to be working on it all year long. At Hillel of San Diego, we do this through a three-pronged approach.
Advocacy, Allyship, and Empowerment
This summer, we sent four trips to Israel. Two of those trips were Fact Finders trips, which brought non-Jewish and Jewish leaders to Israel together to learn and grow. This allyship trip is critical in our fight against antisemitism and anti-Zionism. Fact Finders is free to participate and funded by your Hillel of San Diego and thanks to your generosity.
In order to go on Fact Finders, you have to be a force multiplier on campus- meaning you have to have influence. We accept leaders of clubs, Associated Student leaders (government), and leaders who are able to actively bring people together to make a difference. It is a highly selective screening process for a reason. These leaders come back and make a difference in our fight against antisemitism and anti-Zionism.
Two years ago (after our last trip), it was Fact Finder non-Jewish leaders who spoke out against BDS and supported the passing of an IHRA definition at UCSD. It was Fact Finders at SDSU who walked alongside our students in a Holocaust Memorial march and who brought countless friends to our massive Israel Fest event. The list of impacts goes on.
Tuesday, our UCSD Fact Finders trip came back from Israel- perfect timing before the start of the New Year. Throughout the year, this group of leaders will continue to work together to change the campus climate on campus.
“Wow. What an incredible journey we had the privilege to experience the past 10 days. Coming in with zero knowledge of the Geopolitical history of the Middle East, and now I can confidently say that after this trip I understand more about Israeli and Palestinian history than I ever thought. I honestly think my favorite part of the trip was being able to have these open ended and honest conversations with local people because everyone has one common goal. Peace. But my main take away from this trip for now is that it starts with the people. It starts with us. Thank you for the opportunity.“
-Blake Jackola, Sigma Nu Marketing Chair, intramural sports club leader.
Through empowering our students to be leaders on campus, supporting allyships with other communities, and building strong relationships with school administrations, your Hillel of San Diego is on the ground ensuring that the future is a safer and more positive place to be Jewish for the next generation.
