Photos by Miriam Gershenson; video by Kathryn (Surname withheld)
By Miriam Gershenson
SAN DIEGO – The Christian and Jewish Alliance (CAJA) hosted a powerful gathering in San Diego on Sunday, Sept. 7, in support of Israel and in solidarity against antisemitism. The event at the Legacy Resort Hotel and Spa was sponsored by IAC, AJC, Ohr Shalom Synagogue, Well Versed, PEER, JNF, Jewish Federation, Chabad of Pacific Beach, The Mission Church, and the Lawrence Family JCC.
Before entering the venue, attendees were met with the presence of protestors who had lined the entrance roads. Their voices grew louder as more gathered throughout the afternoon. One attendee, who asked to remain anonymous, described a disturbing encounter in which protestors blocked her car and even jumped onto the hood, clinging on until eventually tumbling off. By the end of the program, police presence around the property was heightened, with patrol cars and a helicopter circling above.
Despite this, the event itself was marked by unity, inspiration, and resilience.
The program began with remarks and prayer from Oz Laniado, Executive Director of Stand With Us San Diego, followed by Liat Cohen-Reeis, founder of CAJA. All sponsors were welcomed to the stage as the Star-Spangled Banner was beautifully performed. Rabbi Yossi Tiefenbrun of Chabad Pacific Beach led the audience in prayer, after which the Mission Church Worship Team lifted the room with gospel music.
The diverse lineup of speakers reflected the heart of the event: building bridges across faiths and backgrounds. Social media influencer Jacob Campbell, journalist Stella Escobedo, Pastor David Menar of Mission Church, and Rabbi Scott Meltzer of Ohr Shalom Synagogue all shared their perspectives.
One of the most moving moments came from Gazelle Shamahd, a Freedom Advocate of Iranian heritage who is neither Jewish nor Christian. With courage and grief, she recounted the story of her father, Jamshid Sharmahd, who was kidnapped by Iranian agents in 2020, tortured, and killed in October 2024 for daring to speak against the regime. His remains remain in Iran. Her message: the fight for human dignity and against tyranny unites us all.
Music provided moments of reflection and uplift throughout the afternoon. Performers Corine Bassili and Jonathan Valverde, joined by additional singers and the stirring call of a shofar, brought the audience to tears. Later, the gospel choir Undefeated had the crowd on their feet, clapping and dancing in joy.
An impressive panel of elected officials demonstrated bipartisan solidarity for Israel. Participants included Congressman Juan Vargas; San Diego Councilmember Raul Campillo (fresh from a visit to Israel); Patricia Dillard, Vice Mayor of La Mesa; John Franklin, Mayor of Vista; Bill Wells, Mayor of El Cajon; and Jordan Marks, San Diego County Assessor. Their presence signaled that across political lines, standing against antisemitism remains a shared priority.
Other highlights included remarks from Pastor John Sorrentino of New Covenant Tabernacle; Pastor Jim Garlow and his wife (who spoke of Oskar Schindler); Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort; and a heartfelt performance by award-winning Israeli and U.S. country singer Omer Netzer.
As the program drew toward its close, the audience heard from two heroes: Almog Meir Jan, who survived over 200 days in Hamas captivity, and Ben Indami, a lone soldier from South Africa who was shot seven times. Together, they shared seven lessons they have carried since the war began.
Finally, student leader Arianna Rose, a young Christian Zionist, spoke passionately about her work on campus to defend Israel. The evening ended with Omer Netzer returning to the stage to join a fellow vocalist in a moving rendition of Hatikva, Israel’s national anthem.
While protestors outside grew louder, the voices inside of faith leaders, survivors, musicians, and community members rose even stronger. This gathering was more than an event; it was a declaration that Christians and Jews stand together for Israel, for peace, and against the darkness of antisemitism.
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Miriam Gershenson is a freelance writer based in Escondido.
God bless Israel
Time to stand with unity between Christian and the Jewish nation. Show our support. Time to arise ! Be who we are called to be. Good verses evil. I choose good. ( life)