Israel

At Hillel, we seek to empower the next generation to connect with Israel in a meaningful and personal way. Whether you already have a deep and personal relationship with Israel or currently don’t feel connected at all, there is a place for you at Hillel and an opportunity to explore.

You'll see below two ways to feel connected; through Israel Travel and through Israel on Campus.

Israel Travel

Birthright Israel

  • All Campuses
  • 10-day trip

Join us on a free 10-day trip to Israel with your Jewish friends. Hillel of San Diego usually takes at least two trips for the whole city. Students across all four campuses can choose to go on any of the trips. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! Secure your spot today at www.hillel.org/trip/SanDiego.

Got questions? Email Danielle at dbotvin@hillelsd.org or look through our Frequently Asked Birthright Questions HERE.

Trips Offered:

Birthright 2018

Fact Finders Mission

  • UCSD & SDSU
  • 10-day trip

Fact Finders Mission sends 25 Non-Jewish and Jewish student leaders to Israel to better understand the Israel/Palestinian conflict on the ground. Students speak to an array of leaders on both sides and come back to campus with a better understanding of the situation and with deeper friendships.

Trips Offered:

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Israel on Campus

Looking to get involved in Israel programs on campus?

Israel Learning Fellowships

  • UCSD & SDSU
  • 8-10 weeks

Spend 8-10 weeks in small groups learning about the diversity and culture in Israel. Examples of Israel Learning Fellowships are:

Israel 101

  • Taught by local rabbis at both campuses during fall

    Get the fundamentals about the history of Israel. Learn from our local rabbis across the religious spectrum and get their perspectives. Learn about Israel through Torah, modern history, geography, and politics.

Masterclass Israel

  • Ready to take your Israel journey to the next level?

    Masterclass Israel is an exclusive program for students returning from immersive Israel experiences. Designed for emerging leaders, this course deepens your connection to Israel while equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and community to bring your experience back to campus in meaningful ways. Questions? Contact Jacob Leibowitz at jleibowitz@hillelsd.org.

Kol Yisrael

  • UCSD and SDSU

    Come learn about how Israel experiences peoplehood, pluralism, and resilience, in a small learning cohort with your favorite staff members and receive a stipend for your participation. Starting in Spring.

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Taste of Israel with Amjad at SDSU

  • SDSU
  • Check SDSU Instagram

Savor the flavors and stories of Israel with Amjad! Join us for delicious food, meaningful conversation, and a welcoming space to explore Israeli culture and community. It’s the perfect blend of taste, connection, and learning.

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Spill the Cous-Cous with Klil at UCSD

  • UCSD
  • Check UCSD Instagram

Savor the flavors and stories of Israel with Klil! Join us for delicious food, meaningful conversation, and a welcoming space to explore Israeli culture and community. It’s the perfect blend of taste, connection, and learning.

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Tritons for Israel (TFI) at UCSD and Students Supporting Israel (SSI) at SDSU and CSUSM

  • UCSD, SDSU and CSUSM

Already deeply connected to Israel and want to be a leader on campus to connect others? Join one of our Israel leadership programs. Learn from dynamic speakers, host fun Israel themed events, and so much! Looking to get involved?

  • TFI at UCSD

    Join Tritons for Israel to feel comfortable sharing your opinions and have a safe space to enjoy and develop new relationships with people who care about Israel and the beautiful culture!

    Presidents- Ariella Blatt and Kyle Gilbert 

  • SSI at SDSU

    Join Students Supporting Israel every other Tuesday at 7pm at the Garb Hillel Center for meetings and social events.

  • SSI at CSUSM

    Join Students Supporting Israel for social events.

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Tamid at UCSD

  • UCSD

Are you a driven student looking to build real-world business skills while strengthening your connection to Israel? TAMID is a global network of ambitious student leaders passionate about consulting, finance, and entrepreneurship. As part of an international nonprofit organization, TAMID at UC San Diego offers hands-on experience through pro bono consulting for Israeli startups and stock pitch training. Our members think outside the box, grow professionally, and join a powerful worldwide network. If you’re ready to make an impact—TAMID is for you.

Interested in joining? Follow our socials to be updated on recruitment - @tamidatucsd

President - Emily Ilin 

Interested? Reach out at ucsd@tamidgroup.org

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Kesher

  • UCSD

Kesher UCSD is a student-led organization dedicated to creating a home for Hebrew-speaking Israeli students and those from Israeli families at the University of California, San Diego. Our mission is to cultivate a vibrant, inclusive community where members can connect through language, culture, and shared identity while building bridges across the broader UCSD and Jewish campus community.

Presidents - Mia Eliaz and Shoham Zemach 

Interested? Reach out at kesher.ucsd@gmail.com

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Shorashim

  • SDSU

Are you Israeli? Do you want an Israeli community?
Shorashim is an Israeli club open to all Hebrew and non-Hebrew speakers which allows students to meet and build a connection to the State of Israel through social events.

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Peace in Israel Week

  • UCSD
  • May 11-16, 2026

Led by Tritons for Israel, please join the whole Hillel community every spring for an entire week of programs celebrating and exploring Israel on campus, including our campus Shuk along library walk at UCSD.

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Israel Festival at SDSU

  • SDSU

Experience the Spirit of Israel at SDSU! Step into the vibes of an Israeli shuk with food, music, and culture right here on campus. Enjoy lively booths, an Israeli DJ, and delicious eats—all in collaboration with Israel-focused student clubs. Led by student leaders, this festival celebrates Jewish and Israeli joy while bringing the vibrant spirit of Israel to the broader SDSU community.

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