Statement from San Diego Board of Rabbis and Cantors
By Donald H. Harrison
SAN DIEGO — American-Israeli Rabbi Hanan Leberman of Tifereth Israel Synagogue was disinvited from delivering a closing message at the All People’s Breakfast in Balboa Park that will honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King on Monday, Jan. 19, causing shock, outrage, and protest from San Diego’s Jewish community.
Leberman, a popular Conservative rabbi, wrote on Facebook that the rescinding of the invitation was “due to my connection to Israel,” where he studied first to be a cantor and then to be a rabbi. He served in the Israel Defense Forces, married, and has two children who are Sabras.
Leberman posted a letter he wrote to the leadership of Alliance San Diego after he was disinvited, which we quote in full:
Thank you once again for initially thinking of me as a closing speaker for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. event. I know that some of you understand that the message I preach is deeply aligned with the Reverend Dr. King’s teachings, regardless of how I may be perceived by others.
That being said, I have been deeply upset by the decision to no longer have me speak.
Dr. King himself made clear and public statements affirming the Jewish people and Zionism, including:
“Peace for Israel means security, and that security must be a reality.”
— Speech to the American Jewish Committee, 1968
“Israel’s right to exist as a state in security is incontestable.”
“When people criticize Zionists, they mean Jews. You’re talking anti-Semitism.”
(While there is debate about the precise wording of this statement, its substance is consistent with Dr. King’s views and was affirmed by contemporaries.)
To exclude me from speaking runs counter to Dr. King’s message—particularly at this moment in history, when Jews are experiencing the most significant rise in hate crimes of any group, according to reporting by The New York Times.
When I agreed to participate in this event, I did so fully aware that I would be sharing a stage with individuals whose politics and ideas I do not always share. That, to me, is precisely the work Dr. King called us to do: sharing space with those with whom we disagree, seeking common ground, and recommitting ourselves to the dream that all people are treated equally. Tragically, that dream is not being realized for Jews today.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin—who fought tirelessly for peace between Israelis and Arabs—began his life as a defender of Israel. It was precisely his love for Israel that led him to understand that peace was the only way forward. That is the message I believe Dr. King deserves: not the marginalization of people of faith, but the invitation for all to sit at the table, recognizing the divine spark within every human being.
For these reasons, I will not be attending the event. The decision to disinvite me is, in my view, a disservice to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I believe the organization would benefit from deeper education about what Zionism truly is and about what the Jewish community is facing today—from both the left and the right. Shavua Tov. [Wishes for a Good Week]
Alliance San Diego, the organization putting on the breakfast, responded on its website:
Our annual All Peoples Celebration is an elevation of our Beloved Community that includes people of all faiths and traditions. Every day, we strive to embody and practice the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., reflecting our commitment to shared humanity and collective liberation.
In response to concerns about potential disruption related to Zionism and anti-Zionism, we made the difficult decision to ask two invited speakers to step away from their speaking roles. At the time, we believed we were acting in the best interest of protecting attendees and preserving the spirit of the event. We simultaneously recommitted to bridge a divided community, increase understanding, and find common ground, which takes time, dialogue, and humility.
The speakers remained welcome to attend the event, but declined. Our intention was never to exclude Jewish faith leaders or Jewish voices from this space. As an organization working across many communities under immense strain and confronting assaults on immigrant communities, including Jewish and Israeli immigrants at a time of rising anti-semitism and fear, we acknowledge that our decision contributed to that pain rather than alleviating it.
Alliance San Diego remains dedicated to building a San Diego where all of our community members are treated with dignity and belonging. We ask for patience and solidarity as we stand against hate and navigate the challenges facing our community. Our commitment to an ‘All Peoples’ vision requires nothing less.
Heidi Gantwerk, the President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego, posted a personal reaction to Leberman’s letter: “Beautifully written! Your grace and strength shine through.”
Next, Gantwerk posted a letter to the leadership of Alliance San Diego and sponsors of the All Peoples Celebration:
We write on behalf of the Finest Community Coalition, which represents the 45 San Diego–based Jewish organizations, including community-based organizations, social service providers, and synagogues across denominations. While our member organizations serve different missions and communities, we are united in our commitment to confronting antisemitism. Our members are deeply rooted in San Diego, and many of us have been proud to stand firmly alongside other communities and groups over decades of working toward a stronger, more inclusive San Diego.
We are writing because of your decision to disinvite Rabbi Hanan Leberman of Tifereth Israel Synagogue from speaking at the All Peoples Celebration because of his beliefs and values—specifically, his belief in the right of the Jewish people to live safely in their historic homeland of Israel. At a time when Jews are experiencing an alarming rise in hatred and violence, this belief is not theoretical or political; it is central to Jewish identity and safety.
Nothing about Rabbi Leberman’s beliefs changed between the time he was invited to speak and the time that invitation was rescinded. He was open and transparent about his views from the outset, and they were well known to those who invited him. The decision to disinvite him was not based on new information, but on the growing unwillingness to include Jews who openly affirm this part of their identity. This is especially painful at a time that Jews are the religious group most targeted by hate and violence in our county and coming in the same week that a synagogue was firebombed in Mississippi.
That decision contradicts the values associated with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose legacy this event seeks to honor. Dr. King spoke publicly in support of the Jewish people and of Israel’s right to exist in peace and security. He also believed that justice requires courage—the willingness to do what is right even when it is uncomfortable. Backing away from inclusion when there may be consequences reflects a lack of that courage.
Rabbi Leberman agreed to participate knowing he would share the stage with people whose views differ from his own. That willingness to show up, listen, and speak honestly across disagreement is what builds real coalitions. Excluding him avoids that work rather than engaging in it.
Calling this gathering the All Peoples Celebration is difficult to reconcile with the exclusion of a Jewish leader for holding beliefs that are held by a strong majority of the Jewish community globally and here in San Diego. Many now see this decision as turning the event into an “All Peoples (except for Jews) Celebration.” That outcome should give everyone involved pause.
Alliance San Diego must do better in living up to their mission and to the values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and work to rebuild their trust with our Jewish community. Our coalition remains committed to dialogue and to building a San Diego in which all communities are treated with dignity and fairness.
Several Jewish spiritual leaders were among hundreds of Jewish community members responding to Leberman’s letter:
Yael Ridberg, recently retired spiritual leader of Congregation Dor Hadash, San Diego’s lone Reconstructing Judaism congregation, wrote, “The greatest irony (and not in a good way) is that the event is called “All Peoples Celebration. ‘All’ meaning except Jews. I’m so sorry this happened to you and in our community and I am also so proud of your response. Sending continued hizuk [encouragemen]) and hesed [steadfast love].
Matthew Marko, Rabbi Leberman’s predecessor at Tifereth Israel Synagogue: “Apparently ‘All People’ does not include Jewish people. Sad, but unfortunately, not surprising. Nice letter my friend.”
Devorah Marcus, spiritual leader of Temple Emanu-El, a Reform congregation: “#allianceSD is exactly who they have shown themselves to be for a number of years now. I haven’t been to that sham of a breakfast since they gave an award who issued a Jewish blood libel and many in the room stood and cheered. Tammy Gilles [former regional director of the Anti-Defamation League] and I met with their director who literally could not have cared less. It is truly shameful. They are shameless Jew haters and I’m glad they’ve finally taken off their masks. They have no business hosting anything in Dr. King’s name. Hanan Leberman, you are a mensch [honorable person] and a man of integrity who accepted the invitation to model Dr. King’s values and his calling. Thank you for helping expose this corrupt organization simply by being your menschlekeit self.”
Cantor Larry Kornit of Congregation B’nai Tikvah wrote: “If I can be of help don’t hesitate to call on me. I am not surprised, I am incensed!
Local political figures also weighed in on the controversy.
Democratic party activist Laurie Black, a former commissioner of the San Diego Unified Port District, wrote the following Facebook post:
Good morning. Woke up, a beautiful sunny day in San Diego and BOOM, messages, calls, emails, texts about a Rabbi being disinvited to speak at the Alliance San Diego All People’s Breakfast tomorrow in Balboa Park. The freaking irony about this is when you go to their web site to purchase a ticket or sponsor this is what you will read:
“This year, for the 38th annual All Peoples Celebration, we invite you to Choose Courage; to decide, with intention, to do what is right even when the fear and opposition are loud. Now more than ever, our voices must rise above hesitation. We must claim our dignity and echo the notion that any attack on one, is an attack on us all.”
Seriously?? I know Andrea Guerrero, who is the Executive Director, and I will work to find out who made this unwise, thoughtless, antisemitic decision. All the sponsors of this event should be notified about this error in judgement.
In light of the fragility of our American democracy at this critical time, we must stand together, protect one another from the right wing antisemitic, racist propaganda coming from Trump, Stephen Miller and their cronies.
This is NOT how to collaborate with our communities.
This is NOT what Martin Luther King Jr. would have done. He might have disagreed with Rabbi, but still he would have listened, really heard and learned.
BE BETTER!
Former County Supervisor Jim Bates: “Voltaire said, ‘I may disagree with what you say, but with my life, I will defend your right to say it’ … C’mon criticism of Zionists, or the Israeli government is not antisemitism”
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Donald H. Harrison is publisher and editor of San Diego Jewish World.
SHAMEFUL…this needs to be in the editorial section of the newspaper.
Martin Luther King preached about love and understanding. You cannot understand people you refuse to listen to. The decision to exclude Rabbi Lieberman from the ceremony is cowardly, and just plain WRONG!
I stand in full solidarity with the San Diego Board of Rabbis and Cantors and with Rabbi Hanan Leberman.
What occurred is not merely a scheduling decision or a disagreement of viewpoints. It is a moral failure. To disinvite a rabbi from an MLK celebration because of who he is, because of his Jewish identity, his connection to Israel, his life story, is to cross a line that should never be crossed in a city that prides itself on inclusion and humanity.
This happened in San Diego, “America’s Finest City.” A city capable of rising higher than fear, suspicion, and ideological exclusion. A city that knows how to hold complexity without erasing people.
Dr. King did not ask those who marched with him to pass ideological purity tests. He did not demand that allies disavow parts of their identity to belong. He understood that justice is built by widening the circle, not shrinking it.
When Jewish clergy are told explicitly or implicitly that they are welcome only if they silence core aspects of who they are, that is not progress. That is discrimination dressed up as righteousness. And when it happens under the banner of “All People,” it wounds not only Jews, but the very idea of shared humanity.
Rabbi Hanan Leberman is a man of peace. Those who know him know this without question. To portray him otherwise is unjust and inaccurate.
This moment calls for courage, not defensiveness. For listening, not doubling down. For repair, not rationalization.
San Diego can choose a better path. A path that honors Dr. King not only in words and songs, but in action. A path that says clearly and unequivocally: Jews belong. Jewish voices matter. Jewish identity is not negotiable.
I urge our civic and community leaders to reflect deeply on what message was sent—and to take meaningful steps to correct it. Because silence here would not be neutrality. It would be abandonment.
We are stronger when we stand together.
We are truer to our values when we refuse to exclude.
And we honor Dr. King best when we choose courage over convenience.
I stand with our rabbis.
I stand with our Jewish community.
And I stand for a San Diego that knows how to be better.
Laurie Black rightly calls out the decision to disinvite Rabbi Leberman as antisemitic and contrary to Dr. King’s values. Where I part ways with her is the assertion that we must primarily “protect one another from right-wing antisemitic, racist propaganda coming from Trump, Stephen Miller and their cronies.”
This particular incident did not originate on the political right. Alliance San Diego is a progressive, left-leaning organization, and Rabbi Leberman was disinvited explicitly over concerns related to Zionism and anti-Zionism. That context matters.
Antisemitism is not confined to a single political ideology. If we want to confront it honestly and effectively, we must be willing to acknowledge it wherever it appears, including within movements and institutions that see themselves as progressive.