Meet Meital, Ariela, Max, and Emilia

Meital, Junior at NSU

Meital is a junior at Nova Southeastern University from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She grew up immersed in a vibrant Jewish community where family, school, and extracurricular life were deeply rooted in Jewish culture. At NSU, Meital has found a home at Hillel, where students are empowered to lead, make an impact, and build meaningful community on campus.

“To the donors, thank you for giving us the opportunity to thrive, to feel comfortable in our space, and to know that we have a platform to make change and be leaders on campus and in our community.”

Ariela, Junior at FAU

Ariela was adopted from Uzbekistan when she was 2.5 years old. She grew up in a traditionally Jewish household where they upheld a lot of Jewish traditions. She came to Florida Atlantic because she knew she’d find a Jewish community and be able to pursue Jewish studies. Now, a junior at Florida Atlantic University, she shares how Hillel has helped her thrive during her time at school.

"Hillel has given me an amazing and safe space to not only feel comfortable with being Jewish, but to also feel proud and confident in the fact that I can say I am a Jewish Studies major. I’m proud to be this way, and I want to [work at a Jewish nonprofit].”

Max, Junior at FAU

Max is a junior at Florida Atlantic University studying finance. Born in New York and raised in Connecticut, Max found a strong sense of Jewish community when he arrived at FAU.

“Hillel has made my college experience insurmountable. I’ve met amazing people, built friendships, and connected with organizations and people across South Florida. Because of Hillel, I strive to give back to my community, put my faith, family, and values first, and encourage other students who come to FAU as curious Jewish freshmen to be part of this one big family that opens so many doors.”

Emilia, Senior at NSU

Emilia is a senior at Nova Southeastern University studying psychology. She grew up in an interfaith, Eastern European household. After attending her first Hillel event during her first semester, Emilia quickly discovered a community that would become central to her college experience.

“I love my community at Hillel. They became my support system and my friends. The Jewish community, even people who aren’t my direct friends, truly supports one another. It’s become so important to my day-to-day college life. It’s like a home away from home.”