Hillel is Here for You… All Over the World!
On Thursday, March 13, as students in the United States prepared to celebrate Purim with their campus Hillels, Jewish students and alumni across the pond were getting ready for Hillel International’s first-ever Hillel International Global Social event, an opportunity for Jewish students studying abroad to connect with each other and the Hillel community in London. As soon as the clock struck 6 p.m., students poured into a bar in Covent Garden, London, to find a Jewish home away from home waiting for them. “It’s nice to feel more connected to the Hillel world while I’m abroad,” said Alexa Schwartz, third-year student at the University of Kansas.
Over the course of the night, over 100 students (including 25 students from Northeastern University Hillel – Go Huskies!) studying overseas in London and throughout Europe came together with local Jewish students to celebrate Purim and make new friendships. Josh Hartman, associate vice president for immersive experiences and global operations at Hillel International, said, “Hillel is a global movement, and events like this show the power of global Jewish peoplehood and the importance of gathering [students] in person.”
This diverse group of people represented 36 different universities and Hillels. It was incredible to watch students thrive and make so many new connections that will enhance the rest of their time abroad.
“I’m so happy to have had an easily accessible event to meet other Jewish students in London. I go to Hillel all the time at school, and this was a great way to go to a Hillel event while I’m somewhere without a Hillel. I had an awesome time,” said Russell Braver, an Indiana University student.
Josh Slate, a third-year student at Emory University who is studying abroad in London agreed. “I loved being able to meet the Jewish community in London and integrate myself into Hillel International. I haven’t found that community as much so far in London, and I’m so happy I got the opportunity to experience this amazing venue,” he said.
By the time the event was over, so many conversations were still going strong, as people built new relationships. Students were planning Shabbat dinners together and some who arrived alone were leaving in new groups of friends to continue the evening of connection. “The London social was…the perfect chance to meet other Jewish students from all over the city. I left with new friends and a real sense of connection to the Jewish community in London. I’m so grateful to Hillel for making it happen,” said Ariana Kaye, first-year student at Northeastern University.
Reflecting on the evening, Director of Student Engagement and Experiences Michael Kagan shared, “The Hillel Global Social in London was a powerful reminder of how Hillel creates community for Jewish students no matter where they are in the world. Talking with students about their experiences studying abroad made it clear just how important it is to foster belonging and connection when they’re far from home.”
Studying abroad and looking to connect with other Jewish students? Let us know how Hillel can help!