Hillel of Silicon Valley joined several San Jose State University and community organizations this week to raise money to provide solar panels for either a school or a hospital in Africa.

The April 17 benefit for Jewish Heart for Africa included a concert by local band Melted Horses, raffles and a carnival. The effort raised $782, according to Sue Maltiel, executive director of Hillel of Silicon Valley.

Spartans for Israel and Hillel joined forces with about 10 Jewish, black and other organizations to collaborate on the event, held on the San Jose State campus. The other agencies included the Israel Action Network, Jewish Council for Public Affairs and Koret Foundation.  Jewish Heart for Africa (www.jhasol.org) is an agency that helps bring sustainable Israeli technologies to villages in Ethiopia, Uganda, Malawi and Tanzania.

Maltiel noted that more donations are being sought. For information, call Hillel at (408) 286-6669 or visit www.hillelsv.org.