Our Commitment to Israel and Our Students

(Last updated 1/23/24)

Dear Hillel 818 family:

In the aftermath of the October 7th terrorist attack in Israel, and with the war in Gaza actively raging, our community continues to join Jews around the world in mourning and in pain.

To our students our message remains resolute: you are not alone.

Since October 7, Hillel 818 has supported our students in the following ways, some of which you can read about in more detail below:

Processing session at Hillel in partnership with CSUN's University Counseling Services.
Stand with Israel community gathering, attended by 150 students and 100 community members.
Fundraiser for Israel at Melrose Burger.
Today's "Understanding Israel" session with our Jewish Agency Israel Fellow
An influx of one-on-one and small group student conversations with staff.
Regular communication with the CSUN administration and police about enhanced measures for student safety.
Advocacy to CSUN administration and CSUN student government about Jewish student needs.

We're dedicated to providing our students a supportive community to lean on during these difficult moments, and will continue to offer Israel programs and support in response to our students' needs in the weeks and months ahead.

Just as importantly, at a time where anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric and rallies has made Jews around the world fearful of displaying their Jewishness, we are dedicated to helping our students continue finding the joy in being Jewish. There is no greater response to hate than joy.

All of us at Hillel are deeply grateful to those who have or wish to aid in Hillel's efforts support to our student community. Am Yisrael Chai and Shabbat Shalom!

A LOOK INSIDE HILLEL

As we head into Shabbat and prepare to light candles in our homes, we want to share highlights of our Hillel's work over the past two weeks. Despite our shared heartache, let us tell you some things that have made us proud. (from 10/20/23)

Processing Together

On Monday, October 9, just two days after the initial attack on Israel, our staff came together to support our students in processing the complex and emotionally charged events unfolding in Israel. With open hearts and thoughtful discussions, we provided a safe space for reflection, dialogue, and understanding. Together, we began to navigate the challenging landscape ahead of us, with a commitment to learning, empathy, and unity, embodying the true spirit of our close-knit Hillel 818 family.

CSUN Students Stand With Israel

On a bright sunny Wednesday morning in the center of campus, the CSUN Jewish community united to show our support for the hostages, injured and lives lost in Israel. Organized in partnership with Hillel 818, Chabad at CSUN, Students Supporting Israel at CSUN, CSUN Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, and CSUN Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi Sorority over 150 students and 100 community members met together to process and find comfort in our Valley Jewish community. Read more about Stand With Israel in CSUN Today.

Burgers for Israel: How One Student Turned Heartache into Action

While the past two weeks have been devastating for the Jewish community, it has also spurred many students to take action. One student, Anna R., worked with Hillel 818 staff to plan and execute a fundraiser at Melrose Burgers in Encino. In partnership with Hillel 818, Chabad at CSUN, Students Supporting Israel, and our local Jewish fraternity and sorority AEPI and SAEPI, students and the larger Hillel community were invited to dine at Melrose Burger, where a portion of proceeds went towards supporting Israel.

"It's amazing to see the CSUN Jewish community unify itself within the last couple of weeks," Anna shared. "In times like this, we need our community around us."

Let's Understand: A Discussion About Israel

Led with the compassionate guidance of our Israel Fellow, Julie, "Let's Understand" will bring together students to unite and engage in dialogue concerning the ongoing events in Israel. Within this nurturing space, students will be encouraged to explore the unfolding developments, the freedom to ask questions, or simply share the weight of the moment.

Kol Yisrael: Ethnic Minorities

As part of our 818 Learning Fellowships, we offered a 6 week course in the fall lead by Julie, and our Hillel Rabbi, Rabbi Jess, examining the diversity and different ethnic groups that reside within Israel. Learning about the people who live in Israel and their cultures helps teach our students a different aspect of appreciation for Israel.

Mishelanu & Hebrew Classes

Julie and our OU-JLIC Yavneh Hub Coordinator, David, began teaching Hebrew classes this past fall for those who are starting out on their Hebrew speaking journeys, whether to prepare for their Birthright trip or just to learn for fun. For our fluent Hebrew speakers, Mishelanu was formed to provide them a space just to converse and hang out while speaking Hebrew at Hillel.

Israel Leadership Forum

After the attacks on Israel on October 7, being Jewish and discussing Israel on college campuses has been difficult to say the least. Students have been dealing with antisemitism and facing challenges to their public support for Israel. That’s why Hillel 818 partnered with the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, USC Hillel, and UCLA Hillel to host the Israel Leadership Forum over January 14 and 15. Over 100 students came from across Southern California to learn, discuss, and hear from a wide range of speakers about what it means to be an Israel leader and advocate on campus.