Byliners

Terry Wunder: Rejoicing in a Jewish Identity

Growing up, Wunder had a mixed set of experiences – a family that loved him and was very protective of him versus schoolmates and authority figures who singled him out because he was Asian. “It was anything from kids making fun of your eyes to the food that you eat, or assuming you speak another language and making fun of it, even if you don’t,” recalled Wunder, who works today as Director of Community Engagement for Temple Solel in Encinitas. Wunder is also one of 15 persons across the nation chosen in 2022 for a Wexner Field Fellowship. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Fred Kropveld, Jewish Religion, San Diego County

Fortitude and Resilience

By Doron Krakow A remarkable event took place in Malibu, California, this past Sunday. The Shalom Institute, one of the extraordinary JCCs of North America, broke ground ahead of its anticipated return to a campsite ravaged in the Woolsey Fire five years ago. That season’s devastating wildfires wreaked havoc across California and tore through the

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Doron Krakow, Israel, Opinion, USA

‘All The Light We Cannot See’ Illuminates Dark Places

By Eric George Tauber CINCINNATI, Ohio — How do we get through difficult times? How can we find a ray of hope when all we see are shadows? During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us turned to streaming services like Netflix to cope with our feelings of boredom and isolation. My personal favorites were works

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Eric George Tauber, Holocaust, Opinion, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Audience Delights in Familiar Songs of ‘Mamma Mia’

It’s been a hard month not only for all of us in the Jewish community, but for the entire San Diego community.  With all of the unrest and strife happening, the audience at Broadway In San Diego’s Mamma Mia was ready to let loose and revel in the joyous ABBA songs that make up the backbone of this whimsical show at the Civic Theatre. [Sandi Masori]

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San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Casus Belli

By Dorothea Shefer-Vanson MEVASSERET ZION, Israel — When England declared war on Germany in 1914 and again in 1939 it had not been invaded, its frontiers crossed or its citizens murdered. The basis for the outbreak of hostilities in both instances was simply a mutual defense agreement with other countries. War is a terrible thing.

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Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Opinion

‘Celebration of Life’ Ceremony Scheduled Nov. 18 for Former Assemblyman Howard Wayne

A “celebration of life” for the late former Assemblyman Howard Wayne (D-San Diego) has been scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 18, at Elijah’s Restaurant, 7061 Clairemont Mesa, according to his wife Mary Lundberg. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County

San Diego County Vigil Held Online for Hostages Taken by Hamas

Hundreds of San Diegans who viewed a “Bring Them Home” webinar to rescue the estimated 240 hostages abducted from Israel to the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, were urged on Tuesday evening, Nov. 7, to take five steps to help bring about the hostages’ release from the Hamas terror organization. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Middle East, San Diego County

The Melody of Zionism

Like my father, I was presented as a traitor to the homeland and an enemy of the USSR. Although my immigration to Israel was legal, I was honored with the title of “traitor to the homeland.” My father was labeled a “traitor to the homeland” in 1949, although he loved the USSR and socialism. I was labeled a “traitor to the fatherland” 30 years later. In that country, any Jew could be a traitor – one who loved the homeland, as my father did, and one who did not love it, as I did. [Alex Gordon]

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Alex Gordon, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Israel, Jewish History

Putin’s New Man in Washington Games Israel

By Bruce S. Ticker PHILADELPHIA — The headline that Mike Johnson hoped for on Friday: “Democrats betray Israel.” Instead he got this New York Times headline: “House Passes Bill Tying Israel Aid to Spending Cuts With Nothing for Ukraine.” More to the point, let’s try: “Putin wins first round against Ukraine with help from GOP

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Bruce Ticker, International, Israel, Opinion, USA