In this Issue:

• Meet Jane.

• Benefit 2009 this Thursday

• DePaul vigil showcases cooperation as strategy for dealing with all forms of hate

• Campus shots

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The Hillels of Illinois Benefit 2009

Hometown: Buffalo Grove, IL
Current school: Harper College
Graduation date: 2010
Hillel involvement: Russian Hillel

“Throughout the whole Hillel experience, you see that there’s so many other people your own age involved in the Jewish community. It’s good. It unites us.”

Read more about Jane »

The Hillels of Illinois Benefit 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Chicago
720 S. Michigan Avenue

This year's Benefit--sure to be a fun evening--is this Thursday! If you haven't already purchased your tickets, please contact Sylvia Berman-Peck for information as general registration is closed. Call 312-673-2354 or email sylviaberman-peck@juf.org for tickets and information.

This year’s event will start promptly at 5:30 p.m. with a Dinner Reception and a silent auction. Guests can fill their plates from buffets, order a drink from the open bar, and then go sit at their tables or mix and mingle. By 7:15 all guests will be seated for the show, which will begin with a few remarks from students, followed by the very smart, funny, and interactive antics of Chicago’s own ComedySportz improv ensemble from 7:30 – 8:30. The evening will conclude with a dessert reception.

For DePaul freshman Kevin Altman the May 26 “We Are DePaul” Solidarity Vigil was especially meaningful. Altman said he has been the subject of anti-Semitic taunts on campus and was encouraged by students and faculty who joined the vigil to stand up against hate and bigotry.

“Anti-Semitism on campus is a growing concern, and it needs to be stopped immediately,” Altman, 19, said. “What starts as a joke – anyone can be the butt of a joke – can quickly turn into hate. It can stem from nothing, and no one is immune: whether you are gay or African-American or Jewish, hatred and bigotry can affect you.”

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As the school year comes to a close, we have a chance to look back on a great year filled with exciting opportunities for Jewish students to connect with each other, community, and our heritage. Planning is already underway on campuses throughout Illinois for another great year. Students interested in learning more about all the great opportunities available to them through Hillel can go to www.TheHillelsofIllinois.org and find their campus, or make sure to check out their campus Hillel when school starts in the fall. Here are just a few end-of-the-year photos from campuses.