I know you’ve likely gotten a ton of emails today, but I had to send one on behalf of Hillel of San Diego! This is Noa (SDSU, Class of ‘28), and we’re down to the wire on Giving Tuesday. The $25,000 donor match is about to disappear, and we hope donors like you are racing to grab the final funds! We’re SO close to hitting our goal.

YOUR support helps students just like ME. I’ve always been rooted in my Jewish and Israeli identity. Moving from Israel to San Diego at 12 was challenging, but my connection to Jewish life never faded. I was very involved in the Jewish community throughout high school and I knew I wanted to be a leader, but I wasn’t sure what that path would look like in college. That all changed when I came to Hillel.

At my very first Hillel of San Diego Welcome BBQ, I instantly felt something I’d been searching for: belonging. Older students didn’t just greet me, they guided me. And because of the generosity from supporters like you, I found community. Most importantly, I found purpose.

As a first-year student, through Hillel, I joined the Students Supporting Israel (SSI) board, helped lead October 7th programming, and began co-leading Shabbat dinners—bringing both Jewish and non-Jewish friends. Hillel saw my ambition to lead in a Jewish space and gave me the support to take it even further. This year, I co-founded the Hillel Business Initiative (HBI), connecting students with local professionals and the wider San Diego Jewish community. Through Hillel, I’m also a StandWithUs Emerson Fellow, a Hillel Leadership Institute participant, and this winter, I’ll travel to Israel on a Hillel of San Diego Fact Finders trip to work with non-Jewish student leaders on understanding the conflict and serving as allies.

I’ve always had the drive. I’ve always had the passion. But Hillel of San Diego gave me a platform and the resources to make a difference. Your support changes the trajectory of our lives. Because of HilleI – because of you – I feel empowered, and I’m just getting started!

Don’t forget: your gift today will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000 by an anonymous donor! The clock is ticking, and this 2X match disappears at midnight. Can you make one final gift and help us cross the finish line before the deadline?

Thanks so much for creating community for San Diego’s Jewish students!

Noa, SDSU ‘28