Bar Segev, the current Jewish Agency and Escoll Family Israel Fellow at Vanderbilt Hillel, has received multiple plaudits for her work at Vanderbilt Hillel. “We are so proud of Bar and the amazing work she’s done on campus these past 3 years. She’s played a vital role in creating a positive connection between our students and Israel. She truly deserves these recognitions,” said Ari Dubin, the Executive Director of Vanderbilt Hillel.
In addition to being named a Hillel International “2025 Rising Star,” she was selected to represent the Jewish Agency for Israel’s campus Israel Fellow program at the Jewish Federation of North America’s General Assembly. Speaking to a global audience, Bar shared her family’s story and reflected on her experience serving the Vanderbilt Hillel community during and after the events of October 7th.
In her remarks, she highlighted the meaningful work she has led at Vanderbilt Hillel and emphasized the vital role Israel Fellows play in strengthening the connection between American Jewish students and Israel. “American Jewish students choose Judaism, even when it comes at a cost,” she said, “We help them see that they are always connected to Israel. They’re part of the same people, the same story.”
Hillel International, the largest Jewish campus organization in the world, recognized exceptional campus Hillels and professionals for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to Jewish life during the 2025 Hillel International Global Assembly (HIGA) in Boston this week. The awards were presented during the annual conference where more than 1,200 campus leaders, supporters, sponsors, and students from around the world came together to celebrate leadership and growth.
Hillel International awarded Bar Segev with the "2025 Rising Star Award,” which recognizes early-career professionals who have had a significant impact on the movement in a short period of time.
In presenting Bar the award, Vanderbilt Hillel Executive Director Ari Dubin remarked that Bar “created spaces for students to both engage in meaningful advocacy and activism, and also to see Israel for its beauty and complexity.”
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