By Heidi Gantwerk
SAN DIEGO — As you all know by now, Israel launched a massive pre-emptive assault against Iran last night in an operation likely to span several days. The Israeli military deployed 200 fighter jets; Iran has responded by launching over 100 drones at the Jewish State.
In today’s special Israel Update from JFNA, you can find detailed information on the operation and the response. There is no question Iran poses an existential threat to Israel and beyond, and we stand with Israel and affirm her right to defend herself.Along with all of Israel, and all those living under the threat of Iran’s regime, we hope that this will shift the trajectory of the region towards a more peaceful future.
On the ground, this means Israelis are in and out of shelters, watching and waiting, trying to maintain any sort of routine in a situation that is anything but. A friend in Sha’ar HaNegev shared with me this morning that it is hard to understand how challenging it is to work and function in this situation, especially for those on the Gaza border, when you have already been at war and haven’t gotten a good night’s sleep for a year and a half. My heart aches for them.
I have been in touch with the leadership of the Sha’ar HaNegev municipality, who shared with me how much our outreach and support mean to them. The mayor and his team have held a situational assessment with emergency leadership, met with Home Front Command, and are working with government officials to explore specific responses for the evacuated communities of Kfar Aza and Nachal Oz, who are coping with significant emotional and logistical challenges and require tailored support.
San Diego and our Federation stand with our Israeli family and our friends in Sha’ar HaNegev, and we are ready to support them as the situation unfolds.
We will continue to monitor events in Israel closely, and we are also paying close attention to the security needs of our own Jewish community here in San Diego. The days ahead may see heighten tensions, and an increase in anti-Israel activity. We continue to work closely with law enforcement and all of our Jewish community organizations to protect all those participating in Jewish life. We encourage you to be aware and vigilant, and to report anything that may be of concern. San Diego area law enforcement will also be conducting extra patrols at all Jewish facilities. If you have security related concerns, you can Report Incident Here.
Personally, I cannot wait to bring in Shabbat tonight with many old and new friends. We encourage you to stay engaged; to show up, to enjoy Jewish life, and to participate in any and all activities you had planned for this weekend and beyond.
I do not relish writing to you about such difficult issues right before Shabbat. But we are one family, and families care for and support one another. I pray for a swift end to this newest conflict, for the soldiers of the IDF, for the immediate release of the remaining hostages, and for the safety of the state of Israel. And I hope that all of us find moments of peace and joy this Shabbat with people we love.
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Heidi Gantwerk is President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego.