Today is Day 3 of Hillel Global Giving Week!
Now through Friday, May 9, your gift will be DOUBLED – a dollar for dollar match, thanks to the generosity of the Leichtag Foundation and Hillel International. Your gift can help Hillel of San Diego reach our goal of raising $55,000 in five days!
YOU can double the impact for Jewish students like Ava—double the support, double the community, double the strength.
Meet Ava.
Ava is a senior at the University of San Diego studying International Relations.
Ava’s Jewish identity didn’t really play into her plans for college. But everything shifted for her during her sophomore year, when she discovered Hillel—and with it, a vibrant community of Jewish friends who helped her reconnect.
“I found a Jewish community of people my age where real connection came naturally—and where friendships felt deep, genuine, and lasting.”
Schmoozedays—weekly gatherings over bagels and coffee—became a turning point for Ava. These casual Tuesday meetups created a welcoming space where Jewish students could simply be together and be themselves.
After October 7th, the consistent weekly gatherings became even more vital—a safe, supportive refuge for Ava and her peers. This was a space where they could ask questions and share their feelings. They brainstormed ways to engage more students, increase Hillel’s presence on campus, and combat misinformation about the Jewish people.
This experience transformed Ava from feeling disconnected to becoming a confident leader in her Jewish community.
Ava joined Hillel’s student board, providing ideas, helping plan events, and serving as a voice for the diversity of USD’s Jewish student population. Ava felt it was crucial to highlight the diverse spectrum of Jewish identities and practices for the entire campus.
Her leadership led to the creation of Shabbat Sha-Purim. During this special Purim-themed Shabbat celebration, Jewish and non-Jewish students connected with the story of Purim and explored the many ways Jewish identity is expressed.
“I wanted to show there is not just one particular way to practice Judaism, and there is rich cultural diversity within our Jewish community.”
Ava found her Jewish voice at Hillel—and helped others find theirs too.
Your generosity empowers students like Ava to build inclusive, joyful, and resilient Jewish communities on campus.
Your support of the next generation of Jewish leaders and changemakers creates a brighter Jewish future!
P.S. Your pledge will count during Hillel Global Giving Week! Pledge now and send your gift later via your donor-advised fund, IRA account, or gift of stock. To learn more, reply to this email or contact me at lkalal@hillelsd.org or 619-764-5992.
