When we were children, our grandparents posed a simple but enduring question: If the Jewish people don’t take care of the Jewish people, who will? That question inspired our parents to lead and to give, and today, as third-generation Hillel supporters, it sits squarely before us.

Hillel of San Diego and its CEO, Karen Parry, were honored with multiple excellence awards at Hillel International’s 2025 Global Assembly (HIGA) in Boston this week, earning recognition among a global network of 850 Hillels. The awards were presented by Hillel International, the largest Jewish campus organization in the world, during its annual conference which brought together more than 1,200 campus leaders, supporters, and sponsors from around the world to celebrate leadership, innovation, and commitment to Jewish life.

On Monday, you heard from our son Bryan and his wife Sheava about why they support Hillel of San Diego and why they are committed to helping raise $500,000 for Jewish college students by December 31, the first $50,000 of which will be matched, dollar-for-dollar. Their message of why this moment matters and why supporting our young adults is so urgent reminded us of the responsibility we all share to lift up this next generation. That is why we are joining them in this effort.

As we help kick off Hillel of San Diego’s year-end fundraiser, I can’t help but reflect on the moment that first made me and Sheava believe in this important work. It was the day the Glickman Hillel Center at UCSD opened its doors after twenty years of persistence. I saw what it means for Jewish young adults to have a place they can count on, and what a community can accomplish together. That is why Sheava and I became supporters, and why we remain committed as Hillel of San Diego has grown into one of the most impactful Hillels in the country.

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.

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.

Hillel of San Diego isn’t just growing – we’re doubling down on what matters most: building a thriving, resilient Jewish community for students at SDSU, UCSD, USD, and CSUSM. From leadership development programs to community-builders like Shabbat tables, Torah study and Israel Week to mental health support services, Hillel serves as a gathering place, oasis and second home for students seeking connection and meaning.

Happy Cyber Monday! Today’s the day we all enjoy the thrill of finding a good deal. And, here’s the best deal you’ll see today: Every dollar you give to Hillel of San Diego is DOUBLED up to $25,000 thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. No codes, no gimmicks.

Kira’s Hillel story began as an undergraduate at USD, where she was one of only four Jewish students on campus. For Kira, there were no Shabbat dinners. No immersive Jewish learning. No visible Jewish community.

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.