Thanks for helping Samantha!

Samantha-story

I told our Israel Fellow that I wanted to be able to do everything I could to support Israel. I ran full force into this place when I learned about all the ways I could do this through Hillel!

The next thing I knew, I was on the SDSU October 7th Memorial planning team, which meant so much to me. Being a part of the October 7th planning meant I got to meet and really know the other student leaders. It made me feel connected. I also made my best friends through that experience! I now come to Hillel every single day.”

Sam first heard about Hillel through her mom, who had attended Hillel at Long Beach State. Sam called her after the Fall Welcome Back BBQ to tell her that hundreds of students were there that night. Hillel is THE place to go for Jewish students.

Sam’s family knows that she’s safe and cared for. Recently, there was a fire near SDSU. Luckily, Sam wasn’t at her apartment, but the window in her room had been left open, and there was smoke damage. Sam couldn’t stay there.

“The Hillel staff were there for me! I could have driven home to L.A. but they found me a safe, comfortable, and welcoming place to stay with an amazing family! The family texted me a week later to check on me. It was such a special experience!

Hillel is my home now. I’m always welcome here. The Hillel staff make me feel like they always have my back. It feels so good to know that Hillel is there to support and guide me.”

There are only a few hours left to have your gift matched by our Hillel current and past board presidents. ACT NOW! Don’t wait!

P.S. You can unlock additional funds to support Jewish college students by pledging now and sending 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.

Other Stories From Hillel

What Could Go Right?

December 8, 2025

As we help kick off Hillel of San Diego’s year-end fundraiser, I can’t help but reflect on the moment that first made me and Sheava believe in this important work. It was the day the Glickman Hillel Center at UCSD opened its doors after twenty years of persistence. I saw what it means for Jewish young adults to have a place they can count on, and what a community can accomplish together. That is why Sheava and I became supporters, and why we remain committed as Hillel of San Diego has grown into one of the most impactful Hillels in the country.

This one is worth opening – I promise!

December 2, 2025

I know you’ve likely gotten a ton of emails today, but I had to send one on behalf of Hillel of San Diego! This is Noa (SDSU, Class of ‘28), and we’re down to the wire on Giving Tuesday. The $25,000 donor match is about to disappear, and we hope donors like you are racing to grab the final funds! We’re SO close to hitting our goal.

It’s Waylon – We need to talk

December 2, 2025

I wanted to reach out today, on Giving Tuesday, to share my story with you. Last fall, I arrived at UCSD knowing literally no one. Finding my community at Hillel of San Diego not only changed my college experience, it changed my life. Thanks to your past generosity, I found a place where I could be unapologetically Jewish, make friends at Shabbat, and step up as a leader.

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