Three cheers for the third annual Hillel Global Giving Week
It only seems appropriate that in its third year, Hillel Global Giving Week 2022 raised an incredible three million-plus dollars to support Jewish life on campus. Hillel Global Giving Week (HGGW) was launched in May of 2020 to help campus Hillels raise critical funds at the outset of the pandemic. Since then, it has become Hillel’s signature online fundraising campaign to help campus Hillels continue reaching, engaging, and supporting students. This year saw more than 160 Hillels serving nearly 400 campuses participating, with many receiving local matching gifts of up to $50,000 from generous donors.
HGGW 2022 kicked off on Monday, May 9 with “A Toast to Jewish Life on Campus” — a virtual event celebrating the hard work and accomplishments of Jewish college students and the global Hillel movement during this past academic year. The evening began with the premiere of a three-minute animated video, “The Promise of a New Generation,” describing the impact of Hillels on the students they serve.
Attendees then heard from Jade Gordon and Ben Lefkowitz, the 2021-22 Hillel International Student Cabinet co-chairs, who reflected on another incredible year on campus, and Adam Lehman, President and CEO of Hillel International, who shared “Hillel highlights” during his year in review. One such highlight was a video showcasing Hillel’s support for the Jewish community of Ukraine: Following the conflict that began earlier this year, Hillel International launched its Emergency Relief Fund to provide support to students, staff, and their friends and families in Ukraine, as well as resources to Hillels across Europe that opened their doors and arms to refugees. Attendees also heard from Skip Vichness, Chair of Hillel International’s Board of Directors, and Matthew Bronfman, Chair of the Board of Governors.
Closing out the evening was an a capella performance featuring three different groups singing Hinei Mah Tov, interspersed with interviews of Hillel students, supporters, alumni, and lay leaders sharing the impact Hillel has had on them and the importance of Hillel Global Giving Week for helping Hillel continue its important work.
As Hillel International prepares to enter its centennial year in 2023, it does so with a full heart and gratitude for its generous donors and supporters who help to advance its mission and ensure that every Jewish student can find a welcoming home on campus at Hillel.
Said Lehman, “The commitment and passion for Hillel from the global Jewish community is so meaningful – it’s what enables Hillel to be there for Jewish college students on 850 campuses around the world, providing support and the inclusive Jewish community that they need to thrive.”