Standing with Hillel Forges Impact

More than 300 community members gathered for the Stand With Hillel event on April 23 at The Temple for an evening dedicated to celebrating impact, elevating student voices, reflections on Hillel’s influence, and presentation of the We Stand with Israel Award honoring Alli Medof, and the Billi and Bernie Marcus Visionary Award presented to Steve Oppenheimer.

Founded in 2003, Hillels of Georgia has worked to create vibrant Jewish life on college campuses across the state, providing thousands of students with what many describe as a true “home away from home.” Its core pillars include Jewish living and learning, Israel and global Jewish education, social action, bridge-building, and leadership development. Through these principles, the organization fosters identity, connection, and engagement among Jewish students from a wide range of backgrounds.

In the fall of 2025, Hillels of Georgia launched the Leven-Silverman Leadership Institute (LSLI), focused on developing the next generation of student leaders. It emphasizes building core leadership competencies and networking opportunities to empower students to lead within the Jewish community and beyond. In LSLI’s pilot year, Hillels of Georgia has already hosted two statewide conferences, connecting students with established leaders, and launched a selective cohort of fellows.

Rabbi Larry Sernovitz, CEO of Hillels of Georgia, opened with reflections grounded in both personal experience and Jewish thought. He began by quoting Mike Leven’s book, noting that after 53 years, he is still learning from its message: “never compromise, ethics nor values.” He also referenced Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, about having the courage to be different and the necessity of leaving tools for the next generation.

Rabbi Sernovitz emphasized focusing on student leadership, particularly in the face of rising tensions and challenges on campuses. He spoke about the realities of navigating conversations around Israel and Jewish identity, while also underscoring the importance of maintaining joy and community. He concluded with a call to action: “Let’s do this together.” A video followed, featuring students from diverse backgrounds who shared how Hillel was a transformative force in their lives. One student reflected, “Post-Oct. 7, I found that it was OK to be a Zionist on campus.”

The program also included remarks from four student leaders: Andrew Biller (SCAD Atlanta), Ethan Sherris (Georgia College), Samantha Weinick (Georgia Tech) and Jada Monroe (University of Georgia). Each offered personal insights into their campus experiences, and the role Hillel has played in shaping their leadership journeys.

Medof received the We Stand with Israel Award. Her sons, David and Eli, presented the honor, speaking about their mother’s courage and values. They described her willingness to engage in difficult conversations and her ability to find common ground across diverse perspectives. They emphasized her commitment to dialogue. Medof reflected on her approach, stating that advocacy is a “team effort,“ and she was inspired by her parents to put forth the effort even when no one is watching. She encouraged students to live proudly and give generously, adding, “We have learned that no one else is coming to our rescue.”

The evening concluded with the presentation of the Billi and Bernie Marcus Visionary Award to Steve Oppenheimer, introduced by Jay Kaiman, president of the Marcus Foundation, and Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal, senior rabbi of Ahavath Achim.

In his remarks, Oppenheimer shared stories from his early involvement in Jewish community building. He recalled starting with limited resources plus a sense of purpose highlighting innovative programs from the early years, including a statewide Campus Superstars talent competition. He also spoke about the development of the Marcus Hillel Center at Emory University, which was dedicated in 2010, “when student concerns were less severe, but over the years, rising anti-Israel sentiment has increased the need for safe and supportive spaces on campus.”

Oppenheimer closed by expressing gratitude to his wife, Lori, and spoke proudly of their blended family of six children and nine grandchildren. Reflecting the ongoing mission, he concluded, “Hillel truly is the future of Jewish belonging on campus. Our mission has never been more critical. Let’s stay on the bus!!”