Have You Met Ella?

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Meet Ella

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Meet Ella, the accidental activist!

After October 7th, Ella got involved with pro-Israel advocacy and education through Tritons for Israel at Hillel, including speaking in front of UCSD’s student government.

“But, I think the most valuable role that Hillel played for me was not solely supporting my advocacy for Jewish and Israeli students. It was a place where I felt safe, because campus didn’t feel like that.

I felt like I was living through a filter. I was constantly guessing what I could say or not say about who I am. It was liberating to come to Hillel and not have to do that.”

Also, In the aftermath of October 7th, she felt the need for a space that was affirming of LGBTQ+ Jewish students.

Along with other students, she talked with Hillel staff and devised and implemented a plan to create a Jewish LGBTQ+ cohort. Hillel’s Queer Kehillah continues to be a space where students can embrace their full identities. Hillel empowers students to create their own Jewish experiences– skills that will ultimately shape the future of our Jewish community.

Because this was my experience, I’m passionate about growing our Jewish campus community. I want students of all backgrounds and all levels of Jewish engagement to feel welcomed.”

Increase Jewish Belonging

Ella never expected to become a Hillel student leader.  “I love that Hillel and the opportunity to lead is always there for me if I want it. When there’s something I want to do or an initiative I want to start, the Hillel staff are right there to support me and help me bring my ideas to life.”

 “I never thought I would be involved in campus activism. It’s not my thing. What I really love about Hillel is that you don’t have to be an activist to be a leader. There is room to focus our attention as leaders on bringing out Jewish joy instead of always focusing on fighting.”

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P.S. Students grow Jewishly and connect with Jewish community because of YOUR caring and generosity! Give today or pledge! You can 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

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October 23, 2024

A new campaign to “Drop Hillel” has been launched with the goal of kicking Hillel off college campuses. According to the Jerusalem Post, The group is linked to National SJP and “calls itself a ‘Jewish-led campaign… advocating for divestment from Hillel’ that wishes to ‘weaken Hillel’s grip on Jewish campus life’.”

Yesterday was October 7th

October 8, 2024

Yesterday was October 7th-

Yesterday Hillel of San Diego supported on-campus vigils and education programs at each of our four campuses- SDSU, UCSD, CSUSM, and USD. We then paid for buses to take students to the incredible Community Vigil at the JCC.

Update! Update! Update!

September 30, 2024

This past weekend, I was in Washington D.C. at the Hillel/AJC University Presidents Summit on Campus Antisemitism. The Summit brought together Hillel Executive Directors, AJC Regional Directors (including San Diego’s Sara Brown) and 150 University leaders including UCSD’s Chancellor Khosla and Vice Chancellor Petitt, to address antisemitism productively and focus on what institutions can do to create positive change.

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