By Karen Parry
SAN DIEGO — As Sukkot begins and the anniversary of October 7th approaches, we are reminded how much the world and our universities have changed in just two years. Since the Hamas terror attacks that sent shockwaves throughout the world, Jewish students in San Diego have had to reconsider their safety, their allies, and their place on campus.
Last year alone, 74 antisemitic incidents were reported on our campuses, including 17 involving faculty. As of the first few weeks of this school year, there are already 11 cases under Hillel’s case management, with students receiving support. These realities could have easily cast a shadow over Jewish life across San Diego.
And yet, Jewish students have not retreated. Jewish joy is being celebrated in record numbers. Students are standing taller, leaning into their heritage, and finding strength in one another. Across our campuses, neither Jewish star necklaces nor Israel events are tucked away. They’re worn and celebrated at the heart of campus life.
At Hillel of San Diego, we see this resilience in our students every day. What could have broken them has instead bound them together. What could have silenced them has amplified their voices. Jewish life on campus isn’t just surviving – it’s thriving.
As we step into this holiday of Sukkot, a festival that reminds us of resilience in the wilderness and the strength of temporary shelters, we are reminded that our true shelter has always been community. And this community – our students, our supporters, our people – is stronger now than ever before.
This Sukkot, may we all continue to relish in the Jewish joy we have fought so hard to hold on to and to share with the world.
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Karen Parry is the chief executive officer of Hillel of San Diego