L’Dor V’Dor

L’Dor V’Dor Community Celebration

After holding L’Dor V’Dor virtually for three years, we are excited that we can come together in person to celebrate the accomplishments of Hillel of Silicon Valley and honor those who, through their actions and efforts, have made an impact to benefit Jewish students.

As we prepare to gather for L’Dor V’Dor, our community’s attention is focused on what is happening in Israel and how the Israel-Gaza conflict has affected life on campus, especially the increase of antisemitic incidents and sentiments. This year’s event will take place on March 3, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. This year’s theme is Hatikah-Hope.   

More than ever, universities and colleges across the country are struggling to balance academic freedom and free speech rights following incidents of hate speech.  Students are victimized by cancel culture in the classroom, on the quad, and in social media.

Our keynote speaker will be Lana Melman.  The topic of her presentation is “Antisemitism Assaulting Hollywood and College Campuses”. Lana is the CEO of Liberate Art and a 20-year veteran of the entertainment industry. She is a leading expert combatting the cultural boycott effort against Israel and a professional speaker and writer. Lana has worked with the representatives of almost a thousand artists pressed to boycott Israel and prevented numerous cancellations of scheduled concert dates in Israel.

Her book, ARTISTS UNDER FIRE: The BDS War Against Celebrities, Jews, and Israel, puts the boycott, divestment, and sanctions campaign against Israel (BDS) on trial. Lana tells the stories of artists and entertainers like Bon Jovi, Alicia Keys, and Carlos Santana caught in its crossfire, but who refuse to cow down. Artists Under Fire won the Nellie Bly Prize Blue Ribbon for Nonfiction Journalism (2022) and the NYC Big Book first prize for Cultural & Social Issues (2023). It was also an Amazon New Release Best Seller in four categories.

At the event, we will be honoring three courageous and dedicated individuals for their efforts on behalf of Hillel.  Dr. Tabia Lee, the former faculty director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at De Anza College was committed to addressing antisemitism on campus.  She led a series of programs to educate about antisemitism despite extreme pushback and harassment from colleagues and supervisors. Dr. Lee’s courage and integrity are admirable! Jane Jacobson, a community volunteer, has among other things, brought together teams of ladies from her synagogue, Congregation Beth David, to prepare many Shabbat meals for our students.  Magnus Herrlin, our third honoree, was forced to resign from his position on the San Jose State University Associated Student Government because he advocated for inclusion of Jewish students and the suppression of antisemitism.

We greatly look forward to having everyone join us in person for this annual celebration of hope and perseverance dedicated on behalf of the students served by Hillel of Silicon Valley.