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

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.

Your support will have double the impact!

December 2, 2025

Hillel of San Diego isn’t just growing – we’re doubling down on what matters most: building a thriving, resilient Jewish community for students at SDSU, UCSD, USD, and CSUSM. From leadership development programs to community-builders like Shabbat tables, Torah study and Israel Week to mental health support services, Hillel serves as a gathering place, oasis and second home for students seeking connection and meaning.

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