By Heidi Gantwerk
SAN DIEGO — Last night at our Federation office, we had the privilege of hosting members and key staff of San Diego’s Congressional Delegation. This gathering was a unique opportunity for us to honor our commitment to bear witness to what we saw and felt on our recent Solidarity Mission to Israel.
It was also a chance for us to thank our representatives for their support of Israel and our Jewish community, and to discuss other ways that support can continue and grow in light of the disturbing threats and wave of hate we are facing at this difficult moment.
Several of our participants from the Solidarity Mission shared their reflections with the representatives. They conveyed Sha’ar HaNegev residents’ hopes for peace – which before October 7 seemed within reach, but now feels like a much more difficult road. They shared the harrowing accounts of survivors, detailing the hours of horrors they faced and the continuing trauma they still face today. They spoke of the more than 130 hostages still being held in increasingly terrible conditions in Gaza. They spoke of the resilience and strength of the people we met, and of the Israeli people. And they shared their connection with and love for Sha’ar HaNegev.
When I had the opportunity to speak, I reflected on the depth of the deep and personal connections we’ve forged through the numerous exchanges and programs with Sha’ar HaNegev, and the ways in which both of our communities have been elevated by this partnership.
I shared photos of the countless hugs with our friends in Israel that were much tighter and lasted much longer than any of us remember on any previous trips. I told our members of Congress how proud I am of our San Diego community and how we have risen to this occasion in remarkable ways.
Our contributions have purchased generators and converted hotel basements into kindergarten classrooms. We have provided trauma supports and winter coats. Aid for disabled evacuees, support for victims’ families and therapeutic surfing programs for the children of Kfar Aza. And so much more. These efforts reflect the spirit of our own community – resilient, compassionate, and generous.
Lastly, I shared that as I was departing Israel, our friends in Sha’ar HaNegev worried for my safety, urging me to remove my Magen David necklace when I got back to the States – a poignant illustration of the rising tide of antisemitism and the security concerns we face today across our Jewish community.
Our Congressional Representatives took considerable time to come and listen, to hear our stories and our concerns, and we were able to thank them directly. It was a memorable and meaningful evening.
Jewish Federation of San Diego has been a beacon of hope and support for nearly 90 years. From aiding Holocaust survivors as they arrived in San Diego and witnessing the birth of the State of Israel, our commitment has been unwavering.
Today, as we navigate what feels like a landscape we never imagined we would experience in our lifetimes, our resolve remains steadfast. We are dedicated to supporting Israel, fighting antisemitism, and ensuring the safety of our local Jewish institutions. But our mission goes beyond responding to crises. We are committed to making Jewish life in San Diego vibrant, connected, and joyful.
All of this means our Annual Campaign is more important than ever. It’s time for us to double down on our efforts to make being Jewish in San Diego deeply meaningful and accessible to everyone. Much work lies ahead, and our motivation has never been stronger. The final piece is you.
I invite you to join us in this crucial moment. Your support, your voice, and your donations are integral to our journey ahead. Together, we can face these challenges and ensure that Israel and our Jewish community will not only survive, but flourish. Shabbat Shalom, and here’s to a 2024 that is “unprecedented” in only positive ways.
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Heidi Gantwerk is president and chief executive officer of the Jewish Federation of San Diego.