Safe & Sound
Safety, Security, and Wellbeing at Texas Hillel
In a time when Jewish institutions across the country face increasing security challenges, Texas Hillel remains committed to ensuring that Jewish student life at UT Austin is safe, supported, and resilient.
The Safe & Sound Campaign strengthens the systems, training, and care that allow our students to gather, learn, celebrate, and lead with confidence.
Safe & Sound protects what matters most: a vibrant and secure community for our students.
Why Safe & Sound Matters
Across the country, Jewish students are navigating a complex environment that includes rising antisemitism alongside the broader mental health pressures facing college students.
Texas Hillel sees these challenges every day. Students turn to Texas Hillel not only for Jewish connection and leadership opportunities, but also for a place where they feel safe, understood, and supported.
In the 2024–2025 academic year alone, more than 2,300 antisemitic incidents were recorded on college campuses nationwide, underscoring the need for consistent preparedness and care.
Safe & Sound ensures that Texas Hillel remains ready, not only to protect our students, but to support them as they grow and thrive.
What Safe & Sound Supports
Security & Risk Mitigation
Professional security personnel, event coverage, cameras, and access controls help ensure that students can gather safely in our building and at our programs.
Safety Training &
Emergency Readiness
Emergency preparedness, CPR and first aid training, AED equipment, and coordination with university and local partners ensure readiness in any situation.
Student Wellbeing & Community Care
Jewish students often turn to Texas Hillel first when they are struggling. Safe & Sound supports wellbeing resources, trusted staff support, and partnerships that ensure students receive the care they need.
The Need
Maintaining a safe and supportive environment requires significant ongoing investment.
Texas Hillel’s annual security costs alone now approach $200,000, including personnel, monitoring, and safety infrastructure. While we apply for federal security grants whenever possible, those funds are limited, highly restricted, and not guaranteed.
Community support ensures that these essential systems remain strong and sustainable.
How You Can Help
Your support ensures that Jewish students at UT Austin can gather, celebrate, and lead safely and confidently.
Leadership gifts to Safe & Sound help sustain the security, preparedness, and wellbeing resources that protect and support our students every day.
Gifts of every size help ensure Jewish students can gather, celebrate, and lead safely at Texas Hillel.
Example Giving Opportunities
$1,800 Provides safety training and emergency preparedness for staff and student leaders.
$3,600 Strengthens wellbeing programs and resources that strengthen student resilience.
$5,000 Advances security infrastructure and targeted facility improvements.
$10,000 Helps sustain professional security coverage and the trusted wellbeing support students rely on every day.
$18,000 Provides significant support for Safe & Sound operations throughout the academic year.
$36,000+ Leadership support that enables comprehensive safety, security, and wellbeing initiatives.