Today is Day 2 of Hillel Global Giving Week!
Now through Friday, May 9, your gift will be MATCHED dollar for dollar up to $55,000, thanks to the Leichtag Foundation and Hillel International. That means double the impact for Jewish students like Ari—double the support, double the community, double the strength!
Meet Ari.
Ari is a first-year communications major with a minor in leadership at San Diego State University. From early on, Ari knew he wanted to lead.
But stepping onto a college campus for the first time, Ari felt a wave of uncertainty.
“When I first came to college, I was not ready to openly tell people I am Jewish. But now, when I meet new people, I have no problem telling them.”
The stories he’d seen in the media had left him unsure about being openly Jewish. Then, he found Hillel—and everything changed.
In addition to his involvement in Hillel, Ari joined AEPi. His leadership spark reignited, and soon he became President of the Greek Jewish Life Committee through Hillel at SDSU. His mission: to bring together all Jewish students involved in Greek life—not just in his own fraternity.
After an antisemitic incident at the AEPi house at SDSU, Ari helped lead a memorable Greek Life Shabbat, uniting nearly 100 students for a night of community, connection, and pride.
“Hillel unites us beyond Greek life—it’s where we find our shared identity.”
Hillel encouraged him to use his voice to make change on campus, which led him to take another bold step—running for student government. He ran for a seat in his college as a Professional Studies and Fine Arts (PSFA) Representative—and he won.
“I ran for student government to make sure Jewish students are seen, heard, and supported. I’m proud that my voice speaks up for Jewish students where it matters most.”
Help us empower more students like Ari.
You are showing that Jewish students matter, that their voices should be heard, and that their journeys deserve to be supported.
Together, we are building a future where every Jewish student feels confident, proud, and ready to lead.
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.
