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Hillel
Written by Jeff Rubin, Hillel’s Director of Communications. The retroprospective is based on documents found in Hillel’s archives as well as on the work of former Hillel International Director Rabbi Benjamin Kahn, z”l, former Associate International Director Rabbi Samuel Fishman and Hillel Executive Vice President Jay Rubin. illel began in 1923 with persecution of Jews abroad and [humble means, a noble mission helped to open the doors of civil and a breathtaking vision: to rights in the United States; it convey Jewish civilization to a celebrated Israel’s victories, new generation. mourned its losses, and spoke out Through the dedication on its behalf. Hillel has been the of students, lay leaders and pro- Jewish students’ “home away fessionals, Hillel has grown from from home,” a place where they a handful of students in a rented could share their fears and room above a barbershop in successes, where they could feel Champaign, Illinois, to a world- the comfort of a family while wide movement with a gleaming asserting their independence new home in the U.S. capital. from it, a place where they could As important as Hillel’s grow as individuals and as Jews. size and scope is the organi- And now Hillel provokes zation’s success in helping the a Jewish renaissance by creating Jewish community to thrive thriving, valuable, multifaceted through periods of travail and communities on campus, serving triumph. Hillel helped the as a crucible for student leader- children of immigrants find a ship development, and a laborato- place in the American Jewish ry for Jewish engagement. community; it provided Jewish It has never been easy. education for those with little The great-grandparents of background and nurtured young today’s Jewish students came to Jewish scholars; it helped Jewish campus with many of the same students overcome open discrimi- hopes and fears, ambitions and nation on their campuses; it sent questions as their 21st Century students off to war and welcomed heirs. And then some. them back to campus; it protested
E Hillel Founder Rabbi Benjamin Frankel was known for his warm disposition
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