SAN DIEGO — Veteran journalist Donald H. Harrison has reacquired ownership of San Diego Jewish World and will resume as its publisher and editor as of January 1, 2024, it was jointly announced by Harrison and Jacob Kamaras, the current publisher.
In a celebrated $1 sale effective January 1, 2022, Kamaras became the publisher and editor of the San Diego-based Jewish website which provides news and features of direct interest to the Jewish community. Harrison, who had started the publication in 2007, continued to submit articles and served as editor emeritus.
To reacquire San Diego Jewish World, Harrison paid Kamaras $2, so the latter can honestly claim to have made a 100% profit on the transaction.
Kamaras, father of two young children and a third child expected in March, has a full-time position as executive director of J Cubed Communications, an international public relations firm representing a variety of American Jewish and Israeli institutions. “As a young father and a full-time public relations professional, I simply didn’t have the bandwidth to also put out a daily Jewish news publication,” Kamaras said. “Luckily, Don was ready to step back in.”
Harrison has been covering Jewish news in San Diego County since 1986, first as an editor with the San Diego Jewish Press-Heritage through 2003 and later as a columnist for the San Diego Jewish Times. After both those publications folded because of insufficient advertising, staff members of both publications suggested that the Jewish Sightseeing website that Harrison then maintained be converted into a Jewish news and feature site to serve the San Diego Jewish community.
Harrison has published nine books about Jewish San Diego over the years, the first being Louis Rose: San Diego’s First Jewish Settler and Entrepreneur in 2005, and the most recent being a three volume examination of Jewish life and accomplishments called Schlepping and Schmoozing Along the Interstate 5.
“Jacob is a valued friend and colleague,” Harrison said. “I look forward to the fact that our paths will continue to cross many times in his capacity as a public relations representative for some very important Jewish organizations.”
“Now that I am back as editor and publisher, I plan to beef up our coverage of San Diego County’s Jewish community, as well as those in the rest of the United States, in Israel, and around the globe.”
Welcome back, Donald! As good a job as Jacob did, your daily presence was missed.
(And congrats on the profit. Clearly, one of you is a skilled negotiator.)
Mazal Tov on your old new career!
Welcome back, Don! I’m happy to see your health restored to a level that you feel confident enough to retake the helm. Baruch HaShem!
Jacob Kamaras he’s a remarkable writer and long time editor. I have enjoyed his work in many forums throughout the English speaking world including some of his best work which, alas, is attributed to some major figures on whose behalf it was written.. Not sure how he found the time with his demanding assignments—-and kids, but he leaves SDJW in good shape for the old guy/new guy.
Jacob, you’re a shrewd one. You remind me of Mom and Pop on Seinfeld who conspire to acquire Jerry’s shoes by starting a business that they run for 48 years before taking action against Jerry, as Elaine explained it. It took you only a few years to sneak in and grab that 100 percent profit. Very much enjoyed working with you and wish you all the luck.