Stay up to date on Federation’s key areas of impact. Let us know if you want more information about these items or other Federation efforts to create a more vibrant, caring, connected and enduring Jewish community.

Observing Yom HaShoah with Local Survivors

Last week, more than 200 people came together at the Lawrence Family JCC, Jacobs Family Campus to commemorate Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, with local Survivors. Under the banner of Never Again-But How?, Anna Maya, a local high school student, and Dr. J. Luke Wood, Vice President for Student Affairs & Campus Diversity at San Diego State University, shared their actions on different campuses to fight antisemitism. Federation was proud to partner with Havrutah, a podcast connected with the San Diego Jewish Academy, to record this special interaction and share it with a broader audience. Listen to the podcast here and watch the entire event here. Learn more about Federation’s efforts engaging survivors year-round to ensure they have the support and care they need.
 

Marking Moments of Pain and Joy with Israel

This week at the Lawrence Family JCC, Jacobs Family Campus, our community observed Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers of Israel’s War and Victim’s of Acts of Terror. The moving ceremony started with a candle lighting recognizing local families who lost their loved ones on a battlefield or in acts of terror, and included reflective readings, somber poetry, and lyrics all connected to the theme We All Are Part of One Human Tapestry. The entire ceremony was planned by our local Israeli post-high school emissaries, the Shinshinim, who brought an authentic Israeli feel to this meaningful event. Next Sunday, May 15, we’ll transition from this somber moment to a festive celebration marking Israel’s 74th birthday. Join the Jewish community at House of Israel in Balboa Park to explore the different threads of the Jewish diaspora that are rooted in the land of Israel, through live music, delicious traditional food, and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Then, join us next year on Federation’s CommUNITY trip to Israel where we’ll mark the 75th anniversary of Israel’s Independence.
 

Continuing Our Campaign for Ukraine 
With your support and support from incredible organizational partners, Federation has raised more than $550,000 to help provide shelter, food and other goods, medical services, emergency Aliyah, and more to Jews in harm’s way. All of the funds, which continue to come in, are forwarded through Jewish Federations of North America to our overseas partners–The Jewish Agency for Israel, Joint Distribution Committee, and World-ORT. Just as important, we continue to keep this on the community’s radar: Federation President and CEO Heidi Gantwerk was recently interviewed on KUSI to discuss our efforts.
 

Launching Historic Investment to Enhancing Security

At our event last month on Enhancing Security in the Face of Rising Antisemitism, Jewish Federation of San Diego County launched a historic $1 million investment to strengthen and ensure the security of local synagogues and organizations. This campaign builds on Federation’s prior efforts with other local partners to support our local Anti-Defamation League Jewish Community Security Director and to secure government grants to increase security at local institutions. You can be a part of this important effort and have your gift matched through JFNA’s LiveSecure Initiative. Together, we create a safer community where Jewish life can thrive.