About L’Dor V’Dor 2025: Community Celebration
After a challenging year for the Jewish and campus communities, we come together to honor resilience and justice through the theme, “Tzedek/Justice. ” Join us as we celebrate Hillel of Silicon Valley’s achievements and those who uplift Jewish students.
L’Dor V’Dor 2025 is an inspiring, in-person celebration dedicated to unity, justice, and the resilience bringing the Jewish community together to honor exceptional/outstanding students and members of the community and share Hillel SV’s accomplishments and challenges with its supporters. Also, L’Dor V’Dor provides us with the opportunity to thank our supporters without whom we would not be able to fulfill our mission. This event honors the remarkable efforts of those working to foster understanding and support for Jewish students on campus and beyond.
Speakers
Professor Shai Davidai
Israeli Professor Fighting Antisemitism at Columbia University We are honored to welcome Professor Shai Davidai as the keynote speaker for this year’s L’Dor V’Dor Community event. An assistant professor at Columbia University’s Business School, Professor Davidai is not only an acclaimed scholar but also a fearless advocate for justice, particularly in the fight against antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment. A Voice for Justice on Campus Professor Davidai has become a pivotal figure in addressing antisemitism and promoting Jewish rights at Columbia University and beyond. In the wake of rising antisemitic incidents on campuses nationwide, he has championed the safety and dignity of Jewish students. His bold stance against extremist rhetoric, including his public critiques of university leadership for failing to combat anti-Israel demonstrations, highlights his unwavering commitment to justice. Despite facing institutional challenges, including a contentious investigation perceived as an effort to silence his activism, Professor Davidai remains steadfast. He has used his platform to call out bias, empower Jewish students, and advocate for an inclusive academic environment where all can thrive without fear of hate or intimidation. Global Advocacy and Impact Professor Davidai’s influence extends far beyond Columbia University. As a passionate defender of Israel and Jewish civil rights, he has engaged with international audiences, promoting education, awareness, and action against antisemitism. His insights and advocacy underscore the importance of standing firm against hatred while fostering understanding and mutual respect. A Timely Message The theme of this year’s event, L’Dor V’Dor, embodies the enduring Jewish values of justice and resilience. Professor Davidai’s keynote address promises to inspire and challenge us to continue the work of building a vibrant future for the Jewish community and the broader world. Join us in welcoming Professor Shai Davidai as he shares his perspective and experience on the pressing challenges and opportunities facing Jewish communities today. His passion, courage, and commitment remind us of the profound impact one voice can have in shaping a more just and compassionate society.
Honorees
Jeff Rosen
Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen is a nationally-recognized leader in criminal justice reform. Since 2011, Mr. Rosen has overseen the largest prosecutor’s office north of Los Angeles, serving a population of almost two million. The District Attorney’s Office has 600 employees, including 192 deputy district attorneys. From gang homicides to consumer rights lawsuits, the Office prosecutes 40,000 cases each year. Some cases successfully prosecuted under Mr. Rosen’s administration include former County Supervisor George Shirakawa, Stanford swimmer Brock Turner, the Nuestra Familia gang, and the killer of 15-year-old Sierra Lamar. As District Attorney, Mr. Rosen created an innovative and nationally acclaimed Conviction Integrity Unit to investigate innocence claims and implement the most professional practices in criminal prosecution. Mr. Rosen established a Cold Case Unit to investigate unsolved murders and a misdemeanor diversion program for low-level offenders. He created a series of Family Justice Centers throughout the county, making sure domestic violence survivors had easier access to legal help and other resources. Inspired by the Brock Turner conviction, Mr. Rosen helped change the law in California to ensure prison sentences for those convicted of sexually assaulting unconscious and intoxicated victims. Mr. Rosen joined the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor in 1995. During his career, he successfully prosecuted some of the most difficult, complex and high profile criminal cases, including drug trafficking, burglary, robbery, rape, child molestation, gang violence, and murder. In his last remaining case before taking Office as District Attorney, he obtained first degree murder convictions and life sentences against the defendants whose murder-for-hire scheme resulted in the slaying of Los Gatos businessman Mark Achilli. Before joining the District Attorney’s Office, Mr. Rosen worked for prominent law firms in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., where he practiced commercial litigation. Since arriving in the Bay Area, Mr. Rosen has served as president of a large synagogue, taught trial advocacy at Santa Clara University Law School, and trained police officers in report-writing. Mr. Rosen received his undergraduate degree from UCLA where he majored in Philosophy and graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He also won the prestigious Truman Scholarship and the Outstanding Senior Award. Mr. Rosen received his law degree from UC Berkeley School of Law, where he served on the Moot Court Board and taught English to immigrants. Mr. Rosen’s wife serves as a federal prosecutor. They have two daughters. Mr. Rosen enjoys playing sports, reading, and cheering for the Green Bay Packers. An admirer of President Harry Truman, Mr. Rosen believes, “The buck stop
Dan Gotesdyner
Dan Gotesdyner is the founding president of De Anza College’s Jewish Student Union (JSU), established in Spring 2024. Under his visionary leadership, the JSU has become a vibrant force on campus, creating impactful programs and fostering meaningful connections. Dan’s leadership shone during a pivotal moment when he organized De Anza’s rally in response to rising antisemitic incidents. This event brought together over 150 students, faculty, administrators, and community members, uniting them in solidarity and support. His commitment to advocacy was further demonstrated through the creation of a life-sized bomb shelter art installation. This immersive experience highlighted the harrowing realities of Hamas brutality and resonated deeply with attendees, including college administrators and local community leaders. A strong advocate for dialogue, Dan worked collaboratively with the Muslim Student Association (MSA) during a UNICEF-hosted discussion on the Israel-Gaza conflict. His respectful relationship with the MSA president ensured JSU’s inclusion as presenters, and the thoughtful contributions were praised by attendees from diverse perspectives. Beyond De Anza College, Dan’s impact reverberates throughout the South Bay and beyond. He is actively working with senior administrators, local government officials, and congressional representatives to secure funding for a permanent Jewish Life Center on campus. A compelling public speaker, Dan has inspired thousands at events like the Jewish Community Center’s Z3 Conference in Palo Alto, where he commemorated October 7 before an audience of over 2,000. Dan’s influence extends nationally, where he mentors high school students on Jewish leadership at conferences across the country. His deep knowledge of Jewish history, culture, and Israel, coupled with his unrelenting passion and courage, has inspired peers and community members alike. Through his vision, advocacy, and action, Dan Gotesdyner has not only built a thriving community for Jewish students at De Anza but also serves as a beacon of Jewish pride and resilience for the broader community.