Israel Affinity

Hillel is the hub for Israel activity at UCLA and a guiding force for influencing campus climate as it relates to Israel.  35+ Israel affinity groups are hosted by Hillel, bringing hundreds of students closer to Israel through exploration of dual narrative, culture, travel, advocacy training, lobbying, language and learning. A trusted source for pluralistic Israel engagement on campus, we are the only campus organization that employs an Israeli shaliach (Israel Fellow) to work alongside students in an effort to establish greater degrees of confidence about and love toward Israel.  We aspire to show students Israel and bring an average of 150 students (Jewish and non-Jewish) to Israel each year to study, tour, immerse and learn.

Some of Our Programs:

• Israel Learning Fellowship
• Hebrew Conversation Hour
• Interfaith social action/fundraiser co-hosted by Bruins for Israel
• Israel advocacy training and lobbying (Bruin Israel Public Affairs Committee)
• Fact Finding Journey (interfaith leadership development trip to Israel)
• Western Region Policy Summit (convening 40-50 students from five states)
• Giant Celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut
• Sponsoring the largest delegation of students to AIPAC’s Policy Conference

Arts & Culture

Dortort Center for Creativity in the Arts

The Dortort Center for Creativity in the Arts weaves art and culture into the Hillel experience for UCLA students and community members. Boasting five gallery spaces at 574 Hilgard Avenue, intentional and thought provoking art and creative collaborations contributes to a holistic sense of Jewish pride and curiosity.

Some of Our Programs:

• Annual Student Fine Arts Show
• Annual Student Photography Contest
• Fall and Winter Art Openings featuring art in our four gallery spaces
• In-person and virtual lectures presented by the Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller Institute for Jewish Learning 
• Collaborations with local museums, consulates, academic departments and organizations
• Permanent art installations in the Hillel building
• Mentorship for students with an interest in the arts (i.e. opportunities to curate shows and learn alongside experience artists/producers)