Over the past five years, and especially since October 7th, this community has shown up in extraordinary ways. Your leadership made it possible for Hillel of San Diego to respond immediately and decisively in moments of crisis, expanding support, strengthening safety, and meeting students in their most vulnerable moments. Thank G-d you did. Because of you, students know exactly where to turn — and they know they will not be turned away. This spirit of leadership has been on full display again in recent weeks, as we launched our year‑end efforts with the voices and partnership of three remarkable families, joined by so many of you across our community. Together, you have reminded us what it looks like to stand up, to lead, and to invest in Jewish life at a moment when it matters more than ever. The impact of this collective commitment is undeniable. Our engagement has more than doubled since 2023, and for two consecutive years we have been the fastest‑growing Hillel in the world. And as of this mid-year point, student engagement has grown another 20% over last year. Our work continues to be recognized nationally and globally — most recently at the Hillel International Global Assembly, where our Israel programming was honored among more than 850 Hillels worldwide. I was also deeply honored to be recognized personally, a reflection not just of individual leadership, but of what we are building together.

One might ask: can we sustain this growth? The answer is: we simply have to. When students turn to us, we cannot turn them away.

We could pause, catch our breath, rest on our laurels, celebrating the haven we’ve created for Jewish students here in San Diego. Instead, we keep going. What we have learned is that this moment did not pass. Students continue to seek connection, support, and Jewish experiences at record levels — not only in moments of crisis, but in the chapters of identity formation that will shape the rest of their lives.

This raises a critical and urgent question: what happens if students come to us and we are simply unable to meet the demand?

The tragedies of this past week have made this painfully clear. We cannot afford to slow down now. Not when students are still showing up. Not when antisemitism continues to escalate. And not when the future of Jewish life is being shaped, right now, on our campuses. Naturally, there is a cost to sustain programming at this level. But it is the cost of not doing so that is too much to bear.

As we close out the year, I invite you to join our community’s collective effort to ensure every student who seeks connection finds it. Can we count on you, once again, to help sustain the programs, support, and safe spaces our students rely on?

The future depends on what we do now. Let’s be the light for the next generation, together. 

Happy last night of Hanukkah,

Karen