Hillel 818’s endorsement for 2024
The only choice for the 2024 Campaign:
After careful consideration, analysis of the polls, deep soul searching, and consultations with our Hillel 818 board, staff, students, and community friends, Hillel 818 has made the unprecedented decision to make an endorsement for the 2024 campaign:
We choose Jewish joy.
Of course, we’re talking about our 2024-2025 annual campaign and the choice has never been more clear: When you choose to fund Hillel 818, you are choosing to invest in Jewish joy.
Folks, the truth of the matter is that we are still in mourning over the tragedy of October 7th. We still feel the pain of a rise in antisemitism that had its epicenter at college campuses. And there is still an understandable level of anxiety as we begin this new school year.
Over the summer, I met with our Jewish Agency Israel Fellow, Julie, to discuss her goals for this coming school year. Julie moved from Israel to the Valley one month before October 7, 2023. She spent most of the past year glued to Israeli news, mourning the losses of friends, while somehow trying to acclimate to a new country and a new job. So when Julie came to me in June and said, “Next year our Israel programming has to be more joyful,” I couldn’t help but listen, be inspired, and promise that we would no longer be held prisoner by fear and anxiety.
I know the question on everybody’s mind is, “What do you think is going to happen this year? Are you prepared?” I can’t predict the future with any certainty, but we are steadfast in our intention to meet this moment by standing up, standing proud, and choosing joy.
Hillel 818 will celebrate the rich diversity of Jewish life, ritual, and expression.
Hillel 818 will build new generations of committed Jewish adults.
Hillel 818 will help secure the Jewish future of the San Fernando Valley.
Hillel 818 will ensure that Jewish students are safe on campus.
Hillel 818 will use our platform to fight the mental health epidemic.
Hillel 818 will feed hungry bellies and nourish needing souls.
Hillel 818 will build deep connections to the State of Israel.
Hillel 818 will cultivate the Jewish leaders of today and tomorrow.
Hillel 818 will build bridges and extend friendship to our student community friends and neighbors.
Hillel 818 will provide meaningful Jewish learning opportunities.
Hillel 818 will change lives for the better.
Join us. Choose Jewish joy. We are so proud of the work we’ve done and continue to do, and can’t wait for you to join our team this campaign season.
-Matt Baram