Celebrate A Student Like Ali Today!

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Our next story is about a Queen Esther at USD Hillel.

Meet Ali. She is one of our super-star students who found herself and her community this year. 

Even though she is a first-year student, Ali was chosen to participate in Hillel’s premier Leadership Retreat which brings together a handful of the top student leaders from each of Hillel of San Diego’s campuses to build leadership skills and map a vision for the Jewish experiences they want. 

“During the Havdalah service (at the retreat), we were all in a circle, singing, and it was a WOW moment for me. I realized that I love this more than anything and it hit me how powerful having a Jewish community can be.I made friends from all of the San Diego campuses. It’s opened up a world of possibilities for me.”

Hillel is my perfect outlet! It gives me the Jewish community I want and the Jewish life I crave. I can share my creative ideas and know that the Hillel staff will listen and do everything possible to support me and the other USD student leaders so we can bring them to life.

Jewish life is what I’m passionate about. It fulfills me. I wouldn’t have this without Hillel.


I’m not afraid to show my Jewish identity on campus. Because of Hillel, I’m proud to tell people I’m Jewish. I tell everyone, Hillel is where you will feel supported and empowered.


P.S. Help students grow as leaders by making a gift by this Friday, March 14th. You can pledge now and send your gift later by check, through your DAF, 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

Thanks for helping Leah!

December 31, 2024

I want you to meet Leah.

“My older sister was involved in Hillel in college, so I knew about it before I got to SDSU. The first Shabbat I attended was an Israeli Shabbat.”

Thanks for helping Waylon!

December 30, 2024

Student story number three is here! When you make your gift to Hillel of San Diego before midnight on December 31st, you uplift and empower Jewish students to lead and grow THEIR Jewish campus community. Please act fast! Your support will have double the impact for San Diego’s Jewish college students!

Thanks for helping Avishai!

December 28, 2024

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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