It’s Waylon – We need to talk

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I wanted to reach out today, on Giving Tuesday, to share my story with you. Last fall, I arrived at UCSD knowing literally no one. Finding my community at Hillel of San Diego not only changed my college experience, it changed my life. Thanks to your past generosity, I found a place where I could be unapologetically Jewish, make friends at Shabbat, and step up as a leader.

Your continued support is what makes this welcoming Jewish home possible for me and the more than 3,000 students on campus just when we need it most.
Double Your Impact Immediately

Today, your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000 by an anonymous donor! This Giving Tuesday, you have the power to DOUBLE the warmth and belonging Hillel provides. Every dollar you give goes straight toward empowering students like me to find success on campus and beyond.

Make Your Renewal Gift TODAY

With Hillel by my side, I felt validated and empowered to lead as a first-year student. With your support, I’m building a permanent legacy for my friends and future Jewish San Diegans.

  • I launched FYSH (First Year Students of Hillel), an initiative now serving nearly 80 Jewish students, creating a space for new students to find connection in a busy world.
  • I grew into a campus leader, joining Tritons for Israel and finding college and career inspiration through our Jewish Networking Hub.
  • And now? I’m launching Triton Jewish Life to bring Jewish life visibly onto campus!

This work is right at the heart and soul of Hillel’s mission. The lasting impact of their work starts with students just like me, strengthening my Jewish identity and spirit. Your support ensures this vital infrastructure continues, fostering Jewish pride and leadership for years to come.

Will you take advantage of this 2X match and renew your support and help secure the future of Jewish life?

Thank you for supporting me and San Diego’s Jewish students!

Waylon, UCSD ‘28

Yes! Match My Gift!

Other Stories From Hillel

We Are Not Going Anywhere

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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