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Welcome to Day 2 of Hillel’s Presidents’ Challenge student stories. Each story features a student who found community, connections, and their path to becoming a leader through Hillel of San Diego. This impact is only possible through the generosity of Hillel parents, alumni, and community members – people like you!
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Meet Avishai.

He began his first semester at SDSU looking for Jewish community. He heard about Hillel’s Welcome Back BBQ and figured it would be a great place to meet other Jewish students because you can always get a bunch of Jews together over food! 

“The BBQ was where I learned about the programs Hillel offers. They introduced me to AEPi. 

The connection between Hillel and AEPi is amazing! Many of Hillel’s front desk student ambassadors are AEPi brothers. They also are student leaders who organize Hillel events and lead Jewish student clubs. One of my favorite memories is when we helped build Hillel’s Sukkah together during my first year.

When you donate to Hillel of San Diego, you are giving thousands of Jewish students like Avishai a safe and welcoming Jewish home away from home.

I grew up with strong Zionist ideals, so I got involved in Hillel’s pro-Israel student club, Students Supporting Israel (SSI). Hillel makes it easy to find clubs that connect me to my passions and other students with similar interests. Even before October 7th, I was on the SSI board. Leading up to October 7th and afterward, I’m proud of the events we have held on campus and at Hillel to spread awareness and drive activism.

This year, SSI is adding events to highlight different Jewish communities. It recently held a very successful event for Mizrahi Heritage Month called “Spill the Tea.”

It was so nice to hold an event that spread awareness of the different types of Jews and how they ended up in different parts of Israel and around the world.

While many Jewish students attended, we also had a group of non-Jewish students. Everyone asked great questions, and it was really cool to see non-Jewish students who were interested to learn. It’s important to foster these kinds of connections with our allies on campus.

Avishai is just one of the thousands of students who you support when you donate to Hillel of San Diego. End 2024 with the gift that keeps giving- donate today and help Avishai and his friends become our community’s future leaders! 

We are so close! Tuesday is the last day to make your 2024 gift. Can you help us cross the finish line?

P.S. To help Hillel of San Diego meet the Presidents’ Challenge today, you can pledge now and send your gift by check, through your donor-advised fund, a QCD from your IRA account, or by gifting stock.  Hillel of San Diego’s Tax ID# is 33-0519225, and our office address is 5717 Lindo Paseo, San Diego, CA 92115. Please contact me at lkalal@hillelsd.org or 619-764-5992 with any questions.

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