Alumni Impact
“Hillel attracts the most talented and driven Jewish students and serves as a hub of learning, social connection, and worship. The diverse programs I participated in gave me the tools to run for student government, and my Hillel family became my biggest support as I was elected Student Body President of UCLA. I am forever grateful for the values learned from and the doors opened by this community, which have guided my entire professional life thereafter.”
- David Bocarsly, UCLA Class of 2013 | Executive Director of Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California
“My time at Hillel helped me to understand that changing the world didn't have to be one part of my Jewish identity, it could be the entire bedrock of it. Time I spend fighting inequality is time spent being Jewish. I learned that if you see something missing in your community, it may be up to you to build it. So, when I began to launch Swipe Out Hunger during undergrad, Hillel offered me encouragement, guidance and resources that I needed - from help printing posters to bridging meaningful connections with community organizations. I am also grateful to have benefited from a strong, familial community through the Persian Community at Hillel within the greater framework of support and Jewish life that Hillel offers.”
- Rachel Sumekh, UCLA Class of 2012 | Founder of Swipe Out Hunger (the leading nonprofit addressing college hunger)