Celebrate Hillel 2025 Re-Cap

Thank You to Our Lead Sponsors

Stakeholder
Geltzer Family Foundation
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia

Champion
Assured Guaranty
Hallee and David Adelman
Hugh and Hedda Chairnoff Family Fund
Cozen O’Connor
Jill and Mark Fishman
Sue and Rick Gettlin
Dr. Sidney M. Grobman and Elaine I. Grobman
The Katz Foundation
Deborah and Henri Levit
Fran and Leon L. Levy
Lyn M. Ross
Peter and Leslie Tilles and Family

About Our Honoree Max Paul

Max Paul is an extraordinary businessman and pillar of West Philadelphia and beyond, from his decades leading Central City Toyota and Ardmore Toyota, his family’s business going back to 1905, now being led by the fourth generation of the Paul family. Max is passionate about impacting the community, ranging from employees to others in need. On many Mondays he still personally drives families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in West Philadelphia whose seriously ill children are undergoing medical treatment at local pediatric hospitals, in new vans donated by his family and Ardmore Toyota. He also served on the Board of the University City District, and he was spotlighted in People magazine for his outstanding community achievements.

He is passionate about Israel, combating campus antisemitism, and ensuring that Drexel Hillel is a safe and welcoming place for Jewish Drexel students to gather and celebrate. His connection to Drexel Hillel is strong because his grandsons Harrison (’17 and ’23), and Sam (’18) are Drexel graduates, and William is currently completing his Drexel degree. In addition to supporting Drexel Hillel and the Drexel Hillel National Leadership Council, along with his wife Sandi, Max is a strong supporter of Israel and the local Jewish community.

Max is married to Sandi and is semi-retired, and his impact and legacy are widely felt in our community. He is also immensely proud of his three children, nine grandchildren and his first great-grandchild who is just a few months old, with another great-grandchild on the way in March. He and Sandi know their family will be as passionate as they have been in giving back.

Exemplar of Excellence Awards

Student Exemplar of Excellence Atara Saunders ’25

Atara Saunders jumped into Hillel involvement even though her first term at Drexel was virtual due to COVID. Through attending first-year Zoom programs and learning fellowships, Atara helped spearhead our newest prayer community at the time, “Soulful Shabbat,” kickstarted a Dayenu Climate Justice campus chapter, and eventually became our Jewish Student Association Co-President in 2023. Some of her most memorable achievements include coordinating interfaith dialogues, hosting picnic Shabbats at Drexel Park, and truly being the first friendly face our students meet. We are deeply grateful to Atara for her outstanding support of the Drexel Hillel community over the past five years.

Student Exemplar of Excellence Dan Soslowsky ’25

Dan Soslowsky exemplifies leadership and support of the greater Jewish community. In addition to doing extraordinary work as the Drexel University Jewish Student Association President in 2024, this past September he also served as co-chair of Jewniversity, the Drexel Hillel three day early move-in program for first year students. After October 7, during his term as President, Dan started a campaign to sell his graphic designs of “Proud to be Jewish” and “I stand with Israel” and donated the proceeds in support of the Israeli emergency service organization Magen David Adom. Dan’s passion and commitment continue to inspire us all.

Young Alumni Exemplar of Excellence Neal Strauss

Neal Strauss completed his studies at Drexel in 2016. During his four years, he was a leader and active participant within the Drexel Jewish community. The opportunity to learn and grow at Drexel Hillel inspired him to continue building the Jewish community in Philly through Moishe House, Center City Kehillah, and the Shtiebel. Today, Neal is an active Philadelphia Jewish community leader both as a volunteer and professionally. He is the Interim Executive Director of the South Philadelphia Shtiebel, a fast-growing, five-year-old startup that is a hub of Jewish community in South Philly and the Chief Strategy Officer of A Bissel Creative, a Philly-based B2B marketing company.