Continuing Our Heart of Hillel Series… This month, Hillel of San Diego is overflowing with gratitude — and we’re keeping the spotlight right where it belongs: on YOU, the people who make Jewish campus life in San Diego possible. Last week, we celebrated Brad and Karen, parents who showed up for Hillel at SDSU through all three of their children’s college journeys. This week, we’re honored to introduce you to Sonia, a longtime Hillel of San Diego supporter whose connection to our campuses runs deep, and whose generosity continues to touch students long after her own children graduated. Meet Sonia! Sonia is a retired UCSD faculty member and a proud parent of Triton and Torero alumni. She didn’t have Hillel when she was in college, but she made sure her children did. And once she saw the impact Hillel had on them, she jumped in with both feet, eventually joining the Hillel of San Diego Board of Directors.

“Andy (z”l) and I never had the opportunity to be a part of Hillel all those years ago when we were in college. But our children did, and so it was important for us to support Hillel in San Diego the way other families supported Hillel at their respective universities. As a faculty member at UCSD and former Hillel of San Diego Board member, I got to see firsthand how important Hillel is to Jewish students.” – Sonia

Sonia’s story is uniquely hers… but her impact is shared by thousands. Because of supporters like her (and YOU), Jewish students across San Diego arrive on campus and immediately find a place where they feel safe, welcomed, and deeply connected.

Here’s what you and Sonia are powering right now at Hillel of San Diego:

• 3,200+ students connected across four campuses

• 100+ Shabbat and holiday gatherings that spark belonging and Jewish joy

• 390+ student leaders stepping into activism, programming, and community-building

• Security at 400+ events each year — plus daily protection at all our buildings — so students can gather safely and confidently

• 15 student-led clubs offering leadership, identity-building, and community connection

• Our buildings acting as food access hubs, providing nearly 6,000 meals, plus snacks and essential items all year long

This is the heartbeat of Jewish campus life today — and you and Sonia are the ones keeping it strong. Sonia says it simply: “Taking care of others is one of our core Jewish values, and supporting Hillel of San Diego lets me help the students who find a home here.”

To Sonia, and to each of YOU, thank you for showing up for our students, for believing in them, and for keeping Jewish life on campus vibrant and strong.

With gratitude,

Stephanie Lahat
Advancement Director
Hillel of San Diego