London launches a state-of-the-art Hillel in Euston for a new era of Jewish students.
October 17, 2008 13:39By
Simon Friend
A new era for Jewish student life in London was launched last week with the opening of a state-of-the-art Hillel in Euston.
Having been based in Endsleigh Street for over 50 years, the non-residential Hillel has long been a landmark for Jewish students in the capital, as well as one of the few kosher food options in the West End area. While the new premises in Euston Road, close to Upper Woburn Place, are only a few minutes walk away, a great deal has changed.
There are brightly-coloured benches and tables stretching across the 4,000-square feet site, which also incorporates a kosher canteen, study areas, high-speed internet connections and Wi-Fi zones. The opening party was attended by well over 100 students from London campuses, who enjoyed live music from a klezmer band.
UJS-Hillel chief executive Daniel Marcus said the user response had been "extremely positive. I believe that these new facilities will inspire more students to engage with their Judaism".
Seb Vandermolen, programme director for the new facility, stressed the potential for social networking and cultural and religious education. It would be a "hub for all Jewish students in London, regardless of their religious affiliations or interests, offering a frequent and wide variety of activities from salsa to Yiddish classes and, most importantly, weekly Friday night meals".
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