Editor’s Note: Heidi Gantwerk, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego, wrote this column on Monday while the events at the Islamic Center of San Diego were still unfolding.
By Heidi Gantwerk in Washington, D.C.
Like many of you, I have spent today following the devastating news unfolding at the Islamic Center of San Diego with heartbreak and deep concern.
By coincidence, I am currently in Washington, D.C., alongside fellow Federation professionals and Jewish communal leaders from San Diego and across the country as part of Jewish Federations of North America’s annual Security Fly-In — meeting with members of Congress to advocate for increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and additional resources to protect all faith-based institutions. The news from home hit all of us here with particular weight. It is a sobering reminder of exactly why this work cannot wait.
We have long believed that security cannot be an afterthought for any community of faith — and today is a devastating reminder that this reality extends to every house of worship in our city and across the country. That is why we are in Washington fighting for resources that protect communities like the one attacked today.
Shortly after the incident began, many Jewish and other religious institutions across the area, including Federation, initiated lockdown procedures at the direction of SDPD and our own Community Security Director while law enforcement responded to the scene.
While details are still emerging, police reports have confirmed that three people were killed in today’s attack, including the security guard. We send our deepest sympathies to all those harmed, their loved ones, and the entire Muslim community here in San Diego as they endure this terrible trauma.
Moments like these reverberate across every faith community. Violence against any house of worship is horrifying and intolerable. We are grateful to local law enforcement, first responders, and security personnel for their swift and coordinated response throughout the day.
Federation remains in close communication with local security partners and community leaders, and we will continue to share verified updates and resources as they become available.
May all those injured find healing. May those mourning be comforted. And may our community continue to respond not with fear, but with compassion, solidarity, and resolve.
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Heidi Gantwerk is president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego.