Hillel Ontario

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Radio Gesher

by | Dec 23, 2017 | Jewish Life at Western | 0 comments

Written by Matan Boni, Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships and Israel Fellow

David Ben Gurion said once “If an expert says it can’t be done, get another expert.” I was raised by this notion that you should never say “it can’t be done” or “there’s nothing I can do”. In this past semester,  I have faced a lot of challenges, but every time, I remembered that we should look forward and try again.

Two weeks ago, 28 staff from Hillel Ontario attended the Hillel International Global Assembly in Denver, Colorado. This year’s conference was very special for me because “Radio Gesher”, the innovative initiative I created at Western, together with student co-producers Shai Wallach, Mozie Elmaleh, Ellie Fenyes, Ben Gotttesman, Alina Zabolotsky and Corey Kamen, won the movement’s “Israel Education and Engagement” award.

Bringing this project to life wasn’t easy….coordinating with the radio station, student’s hectic schedules and peers in Israel was difficult but I remembered that there’s always a way to succeed. We are very proud of this international recognition for Radio Gesher.

I’m looking forward to my final semester at Western Hillel. The past three years have been  amazing for me. I arrived in Canada not knowing a single soul and today I’ve made so many meaningful relationships and friends that will remain with me for a lifetime. The Jewish community in Canada is so special with its relationship with Israel and the warm welcoming and support I’ve received over the years. Even when I go back to Israel, I plan on keeping in touch with everyone at Western, meeting them when they come visit their second home in Israel and advocating not only for Israel, but for the entire Canadian Jewish community.

I wish all the students good luck on your exams and remember that even when they say it can’t be done – we can still do it and succeed עלו והצליחו  May you prosper!

Maintaining Close Relationships at Western Hillel

Maintaining Close Relationships at Western Hillel

by | Oct 26, 2021

Western University students are fortunate to have a university leadership that cares about the well-being of students and actively seeks feedback on how to improve the university experience 

Recently, Western University President, Dr. Alan Shepard, hosted a small group of student representatives and staff from Western Hillel for an important discussion about antisemitism and Jewish campus life. In an effort to make sure that the conversation with students will lead to a greater impact on campus, Dr. Shepard made sure to also invite the university’s new Associate Vice-President of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Opiyo Oloya. 

Visiting the President’s residence was incredibly moving and motivating. We discussed Jewish student needs, challenges around kosher food on campus, religious accommodations, our concerns for students around the rise in antisemitism, and how our campus can be a safe and welcoming space for all. 

Maintaining close relationships with senior university leadership is a key element of Hillel Ontario’s campus strategy, and it was wonderful to get to know Dr. Shepard and Dr. Oloya and hear about their plans for commitment to a positive student experience. We are so grateful for the ongoing partnership and support between Western Hillel and Western University.

I believe that when Hillel has true partners in addressing Jewish student needs, it makes our campus a better place for all students. This experience with our university leaders gives me tremendous hope that we will see Jewish campus life flourish at Western. With the winning combination of an invested university administration, our dedicated student leaders and dedicated Hillel staff, every Jewish student will have the space and opportunity to create their own personal Jewish campus life experience.

[attached image; names left to right: Sofia Musman (Program Coordinator), Isabel Borisov (Club President), Jordyn Cohen (Club Holocaust Education & Tikkun Olam), Jacqui Dressler (Advocacy Coordinator), Scott Goldstein (Director), Dr. Opiyo Oloya, Dr. Alan Shepard, Glen Raudanskis (VP Admin)]

 

To my Fellow Students

To my Fellow Students

by | Apr 27, 2021

I am Jacob Brickman, Western Hillel’s outgoing VP Student Life, and a soon-to-be graduate in psychology. I will be walking across the virtual stage in June, after five wonderful years at Western, three of which I have spent being very actively involved in Hillel. To any Jewish student who is not graduating this spring, being very actively involved in Hillel is one thing I would recommend above nearly all else while you study here. I have gone to events, I have been a part of fundraising campaigns, I have volunteered, I have done internships and fellowships every semester since my third year, I have tabled, I have sung, I have danced, I have led, I have been a committee chair and a vice president. Of all the experiences I have had with Western Hillel I can confidently recommend trying everything, at least once.

We all know: the pandemic and the past year (and a half) have sucked. It is hard to find silver linings. Some of the things I loved most about being at Western, being in London, came to a grinding halt almost instantaneously and simultaneously. Shabbat dinners, being able to see friends and meet new people at events, for Hillel and for the other clubs I have been a part of over the years, and really any opportunity to gather with people who are special to me felt like they would be absent for my last school year. Rather than accepting full loneliness and isolation from one another, the staff and student leadership of Western Hillel worked tirelessly from the summer to the spring to make sure our community came together as often and as meaningfully as possible. I, for one, am so tired of Zoom and Teams and Skype. However, being able to connect to anyone around the world this past year has opened up opportunities for myself and so many others.

This last semester, I was a part of a Jewish Learning Fellowship cohort with Leora (our awesome Senior Jewish Educator – you should meet her if you have not yet). If we had been in person, several of the people in my cohort would not have been there and their voices and ideas would never have made it into our sessions. Because of Zoom, Jason was able to call in from B.C., and anyone who moved home from London out of residence, for instance, was still able to join, in a way they simply couldn’t have otherwise.

As I move on from my undergrad, I have been thinking about what Hillel has meant to me and what it could mean for you, my fellow students, as you continue here at Western. This is a beautiful place. You will make friends, you will deepen friendships you already have. You will learn, teach, and experience. You will eat. My goodness, you will eat.  Keep an open mind and try out new programs. Having a Jewish community at your home away from home will enrich your life, as it has enriched mine. 

Thank you, Western Hillel.
Jacob Brickman

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