Since 1923, Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life has contributed to the success of the Jewish community by creating welcoming campus environments in which Jewish students can pursue the dream of higher education. Today, Hillel is the largest Jewish campus organization in the world.
WHAT IS HILLEL'S VISION?
Hillel seeks to inspire every Jewish student to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life.
WHAT IS HILLEL'S MISSION?
Hillel's mission is to enrich the lives of Jewish undergraduate and graduate students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world.
WHAT ARE HILLEL'S VALUES?
Hillel pursues its mission by: Creating a pluralistic, welcoming and inclusive environment; Fostering student growth and the balance in being distinctively Jewish and universally human; Pursuing tzedek (social justice), tikkun olam (repairing the world) and Jewish learning; Supporting Israel and global Jewish peoplehood; A commitment to excellence, innovation, accountability and results.
WHY IS HILLEL IMPORTANT TO THE JEWISH COMMUNITY?
It is estimated that 85 percent of college-age Jews --approximately 350,000 individuals -- attend some form of institution of higher education every year. The Jewish community believes that the college years offer the last opportunity to provide Jewish content to young people before they disperse to the working world. Most of these students know little of their Jewish heritage. Hillel provides Jewish content at a time when young people are searching for meaning in their lives and are in danger of assimilating into the community around them.
HOW IS HILLEL STRUCTURED?
Any Jewish student may participate in Hillel -- no membership is required. Hillel is proud to support 251 affiliated Foundations, Program Centers and Jewish Student Organizations that serve students at 513 campuses throughout the United States and Canada. Hillel foundations are also located in Israel, South America, and the republics of the former Soviet Union. Hillel affiliates are found in Australia and the United Kingdom. Hillel's Charles and Lynn Schusterman International Center helps local groups in the areas of institutional advancement, strategic planning, leadership development, fundraising, human resources, fiscal administration, student programming and communications. Hillel ensures high operating standards through ongoing review, consultation and accreditation. Hillel's estimated annual budget for all international operations is $66 million. Hillel is a recipient of funds from the National Federation/Agency Alliance through its supporting federations and United Jewish Communities.
WHO ARE HILLEL'S LEADERS?
Hillel is supported by individual benefactors and foundations, as well as by Jewish federations and international organizations. The Hillel Board of Directors, chaired by Julian Sandler of Dix Hills, New York, sets Hillel policy. Members of the board include volunteer and student leaders from North America and abroad. The Hillel International Board of Governors provides counsel to the Board of Directors. The chairman of the Board of Governors is Edgar M. Bronfman of New York, NY, and co-chairs are Lynn Schusterman of Tulsa, OK, and Michael Steinhardt of New York, NY. Wayne L. Firestone is president.
WHAT ARE SOME MAJOR HILLEL INITIATIVES?
• www.hillel.org is a window into the world of Hillel that provides information about current Hillel activities, local Hillel contacts, and Hillel resources.
• Taglilt-Birthright Israel: Hillel program, made possible by Taglit-Birthright Israel, provides a free, ten-day, campus-based trip to Israel for thousands of Jewish students, ages 18-26, who have never been to the country on a group tour. Taglit-Birthright Israel is a collaboration of philanthropists, Jewish federations and the State of Israel.
• The Israel on Campus Coalition, a partnership with the Schusterman Family Foundation, brings together over 25 Jewish organizations committed to Israel advocacy on campus.
• The Joseph Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Learning provides Jewish resources and staff training to enhance the work of campus Hillels in providing meaningful Jewish experiences and learning for students.
• The Soref Initiative for Emerging Campuses provides support for Jewish student programs on campuses with small Jewish populations and without a full-time Hillel professional.
• Hillel's Charles Schusterman International Student Leaders Assembly convenes Jewish student leaders from around the world each year to build leadership skills and Jewish knowledge.
• The Hillel International Professional Staff Conference, held annually, is designed to sharpen the skills of Hillel staff and advisors from affiliated campuses.
• The Tzedek Hillel Initiative transforms Hillel Foundations and their communities by helping students to pursue social justice.
• The Campus Entrepreneurs Initiative, a partnership with birthright israel Foundation and an anonymous donor of the Jewish Funders Network, engages student interns to build relationships with thousands of uninvolved Jewish students, including many Taglit-birthright israel participants, creating successful follow-through and connecting them to Jewish life.
• The Summit on the University and the Jewish Community is a biennial conference that convenes leading thinkers and practitioners in academia, journalism, philanthropy and the Jewish community to discuss partnerships that develop future leaders and strengthen our communities.
For more information, contact the Hillel Communications Department at (202) 449-6537.