We wanted to share an incident that happened last week.

On Thursday, a large fire broke out near San Diego State University. Some of our students were evacuated from their homes. Immediately, Hillel of San Diego’s Melvin Garb Hillel Center extended our open hours as a safe evacuation site for students. We fed them, made sure they were safe, and ensured they had what they needed to feel supported during a scary time. Safety was our priority.

Then, we were alerted of an active shooter at the SDSU trolley station. SDSU sent out a stay-in-place order to those in the area. So again, Hillel of San Diego’s security ensured our students were safe at Hillel. Our armed guard and security team from DEFEND48 kicked into immediate gear, ensuring our students were protected. Security was our priority.

After the fire was contained, the stay-in-place order was lifted, and everyone was able to go home– we learned a student’s apartment had severe smoke damage and she needed a place to stay. We called on our amazing community and a remarkable community family hosted this student for Shabbat and the weekend– ensuring she felt nurtured and cared for. Well-being was our priority.

Working in deep partnership with our remarkable staff, Bill Ganley from the Jewish Federation, and our DEFEND48 team, Hillel of San Diego was able to provide care, safety, and protection for our Jewish students.

Last year, we added full-time armed guards to the Glickman Hillel Center and Garb Hillel Center. This security cost is worth every penny for creating the comfort that YOU know our students are safe. But, it is an added cost. Hillel spends $5,000 per week on security. We need your help to sustain that.

YOU should know that your gift to Hillel funds the safety and security of our Jewish students. Your gift funds their protection.

Now, more than ever, it is critical to prioritize safety and security because that investment matters. It makes a difference, just like it did last Thursday.

Thanks for being in community with us.

Be Safe, Karen