A Campus Update from Hillel 818
To our Hillel 818 Family,
I don't know how to accurately describe the month since October 7th. What I can say is that we continue to pray for the return of 240+ hostages. We continue to mourn for the 1,400+ lives lost on October 7th. We continue to hope for a successful dismantling of Hamas. We continue to cry for every Israeli soldier and every Gazan civilian life lost.
We continue.
Hillel 818 continues on, stronger, and with more purpose than ever before because it's what our Jewish students and community need, demand, and deserve.
We've spent countless hours with students helping them process the news, giving hugs and comfort, coaching them on how to respond to anti-Israel and antisemitic activity, and creating opportunities to learn more deeply about what's happening in Israel. Most importantly, at a time when Jews feel alone, anxious, and scared, Hillel 818 has helped our students feel safe and supported while boldly celebrating Jewish joy.
We've continued feeding hungry bellies at our weekly campus lunches.
We counter-programmed this past Thursday's disgusting Jewish Voice for Peace lecture with a community-building Challah Bake and Jewish art gathering.
We've had meaningful and joyous Shabbat celebrations.
We've worked with Students Supporting Israel to write letters and social media posts, to raise money and supplies for soldiers, and to educate fellow students.
We held our Israel solidarity gathering and processing session, as well as our Kol Israel learning fellowship, and additional learning sessions with our Jewish Agency Israel Fellow.
We've continued offering social opportunities through games, cooking, and so much more.
I'd also like to take a moment to highlight a few additional successes:
Hillel 818 participated in the Western Region Summit on Countering Antisemitism in Higher Education, organized by Hillel International's Campus Climate Initiative (CCi), Hillel at the University of Southern California, and The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. We are especially grateful to have had many CSUN administrators in attendance, including Dr. William Watkins, Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Freddie Sanchez, Interim Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs, Equity, and Inclusion, and Dr. Amanda Quintero, Senior Advisor to the President for Inclusive Excellence and Equity Innovation Officer for Global HSI Equity Innovation Hub. As part of the program, Hillel 818 student Kayla Eydel spoke about her experience as a current CSUN college student in today's campus climate.
University Communication:
We are extremely grateful to our partners at California State University Northridge for their regular communication and support to our community, both in normal times and especially during this past month.
In particular, we'd like to thank Dr. William Watkins, Vice President of Student Affairs, who has regularly been in communication with Hillel 818, CSUN Chabad, and Jewish students offering the University's support and proactively looking for ways to help.
We'd also like to say a special thank you to the CSUN Police, who have been in regular communication with us, increased their security presence, and proactively call us before programs asking if we have any additional needs.
Lastly, a special thank you to Counseling Services and the University Student Union who is hosting a healing circle this week for Jewish students on campus.
Jewish Voice for Peace Lecture:
Two weeks ago, we called for CSUN's Jewish Studies department to remove their co-sponsorship of a lecture by Professor Penny Rosenwasser, one of the founding board members of Jewish Voice for Peace.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the CSUN Jewish Studies department for their brave decision to withdraw their co-sponsorship. We look forward to rebuilding our relationship with the Jewish Studies department and working together on behalf of our Jewish students for many years to come.
Hillel 818 attended the Anti-Defamation League Los Angeles' annual gala on November 1 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Our students learned first hand about the dangerous rise in antisemitism, and were empowered by the ADL's plans to take action.
Approximately 50 students from local Hillels were invited to attend the event alongside the 700 guests, and we are honored to have played a small part in the overall program.
Many of you have reached out to me and our team over the last few weeks. Each message is different, but the heart of each one is "how can I help the students?"
So how can you help?
If you know a Hillel 818 student, continue to support and encourage them.
Within your own networks, share the story of the strong and thriving Jewish community on our campuses. We need your voice.
Donate. Donate some more. Tell others to donate, too. We need your financial support more than ever. We can't be there for our students without the financial support to operate.
Join us on November 30 at El Caballero Country Club for a Campus Climate Update to hear in person about what Jewish students are facing on college campuses in the San Fernando Valley and how Hillel 818 is fighting anti-Israel sentiment and antisemitism on campus. You can RSVP here.
