We are delighted to share four student stories about the Queen Esthers among us at Hillel. These are students who, through your support, are leveraging their voices and growing their leadership skills to create better campus environments for all students. Here is our first story:
There has been a steady flow of antisemitism on the CSUSM campus since October 7, 2023.
But you should be proud because Jewish student leaders have stepped up. Students like Eliana–
“On my first day at CSUSM last August, I had to check out Hillel. There was a “Caffeine and Coloring” get together with students, led by Hillel staff. Everyone immediately made me feel safe and warmly welcomed. I felt I belonged there. It just felt really nice. It was like home.”
Connecting back to her roots and to Judaism through Hillel’s learning programs, Eliana was inspired to get involved in pro-Israel advocacy and education on campus.
“I used to get a nauseous pit in my stomach when posting or speaking about Israel. Because of Hillel, I’ve transitioned from being fearful to fearless as an activist.
My parents never saw this coming. I never saw this coming! Hillel was there to give me what I needed to fight antisemitism. I’m now very loud and proud!”
This past weekend reaffirmed our commitment to student leadership. 20 student leaders from all four of our campuses participated in a weekend-long leadership retreat where they learned about advocacy, program planning, and how to build their own Jewish community. This is a part of our strategy of teaching students to be self-advocates and empowered to face the world’s challenges.
Eliana has helped launch a new chapter of Students Supporting Israel (SSI) on her campus, the first time this pro-Israel student organization has had a presence there.
“Recently, our SSI board tabled at the student org fair. I didn’t expect anyone to come up to us, but so many did! There was a mix of non-Jewish students and Jewish students we had never met before. They asked great, open-ended questions!
It was so nice to see the interest, like students were coming out of the shadows, wanting to connect and learn more about Israel.”
A student came up to Eliana and in the middle of their conversation, paused and took a deep breath. “I feel safe talking with you guys. My mom won’t let me wear my Magen David necklace or tell people I’m Jewish.”
Eliana assured her that Hillel will be there for her through anything. Hillel is here to help Jewish students feel safe and proud of their Jewish identity.
Hillel of San Diego at CSUSM is seeing a surge of engagement and your gift to Hillel of San Diego by Purim will nurture the next generation of Jewish leaders like Eliana!
“I relate to Queen Esther’s character in the Purim story. I would do anything for my Jewish people.”
P.S. Help us fund Purim and Passover by March 13th. To help Hillel of San Diego meet our goal, 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.
