188th Street Capital Improvement Campaign
Building a Permanent Home for Jewish Life in Queens
Whether you wish to leave a visible legacy or sustain programs for generations, your partnership makes this home possible.
4,000–6,000Jewish students served across Queens
1,000+Bukharian students — largest campus community in the U.S.
1,400 sq ftDedicated to Jewish life at 188th Street
April 2026Soft launch, ribbon cutting in summer
Our mission
To enrich the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world.
We envision a world in which every Jewish student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel.
Queens Hillel is the only borough-wide, pluralistic Jewish organization in Queens dedicated to serving college-aged students. With the right team, resources, and community support, we will empower entire generations of students with the tools they need to face the challenges of the 21st century through the lens of Jewish values and a leadership mindset.
Leadership & Engagement
We develop confident, curious, and capable Jewish leaders through mentorship and student-led clubs — Hillel Club, Persian Club, Bukharian Cultural Club, and JLIC Club.
Learning & Self-Discovery
Through experiential education, travel, Jewish learning, and honest conversations, students explore who they are and who they want to become — Jewishly and personally.
Wellness
Our approach includes the Kosher Grocery Program with MetCouncil and CommonPoint Queens, one-on-one mental health support with licensed professionals, and student-led wellness initiatives.
Why Queens? Why now?
The only borough-wide, pluralistic Jewish space in Queens
Queens Hillel serves one of the most diverse Jewish student populations in the country — including Sephardi, Mizrahi, Bukharian, Persian, Queer, multifaith, and bi-racial students. Many are commuters juggling school, work, and family, or first-generation college students striving for social mobility.
We proudly serve over 1,000 Bukharian students — the largest such campus community in the U.S. — and reach an estimated 4,000–6,000 Jewish students across Queens College, St. John's University, and Queensborough Community College.
Queens is home to more than a dozen colleges and universities. Until now, there has been no dedicated, pluralistic Jewish space accessible to students across the entire borough. The 188th Street site changes that.
"With the right team, resources, and community support, we will empower entire generations of students with the tools they need to face the challenges of the 21st century through the lens of Jewish values and a leadership mindset."
188th Street — at a glance
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In the heart of Queens80-15 188th Street, Jamaica — in the center of a growing Jewish community
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A historic gap filledUntil now, no dedicated, pluralistic Jewish space existed for students across the borough
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Opening April 2026Soft launch in spring, ribbon cutting in summer
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1,400 square feetThe Den, Gathering Space, Office, Breakfast Bar, and more
Giving societies
Join a society. Shape the future.
Opportunities range widely — from gathering spaces to Judaica and furnishings throughout the building. Naming gifts are typically fulfilled over a five-year period. Many dedications are developed collaboratively to reflect a donor's values and personal connection to Hillel.
$25,000+Founders SocietyShape the future of Jewish life in Queens
$18,000+Community Builders SocietyCreate the heart of student life
$10,000+Protectors SocietySafeguard the future of Jewish students
$7,000+Sacred Space SocietyNurture the soul of Jewish life and learning
$5,000+Leadership SocietyEmpower the leaders who make it all happen
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Queens Hillel is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit · EIN: 11-3285824 · All gifts are fully tax-deductible
Naming opportunities
Put your name on something lasting
Leave your mark on our new home — from major spaces to meaningful details throughout the building.
The DenPrimary gathering and social space
The Gathering SpaceMulti-use programming area
The OfficeStaff and operations hub
The Breakfast BarStudent kitchen and gathering spot
BookshelvesJewish learning and library resources
Tefillin CubbySacred ritual space
ArtworkOriginal pieces throughout the space
MezuzotFront door, Den, Gathering Space, Office, Side door
Front & Side DoorsThe entryways to our new home
Supporter plaque
Add your name to the entryway
Permanently recognize your gift in the entryway of our new home for Jewish life in Queens.
4×6 Plaque2 lines of inscription$360
4×8 Plaque3 lines of inscription$1,000
8×8 Plaque4 lines of inscription$1,800
Ways to give
Every gift, at every level, helps us build a permanent home
We welcome contributions in whatever form works best for you.
Cash, check, or credit cardAs simple as writing a check, charging a credit card, or wiring funds electronically.
Multi-year pledgeWe gratefully accept pledges fulfilled over five years. A $25,000 gift becomes just $5,000 per year — a meaningful gift made manageable.
Donor-advised fund (DAF)Queens Hillel is eligible to receive DAF grants. Recommending a grant from your fund is a simple and tax-efficient way to give.
Stock or securitiesGifting appreciated assets may offer additional tax advantages. Contact us to discuss a transfer.
Be part of what we're building
With your generous support, Queens Hillel can continue to empower Jewish students across the borough, fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive community.
Make Your Gift Today →
Questions? Contact us
