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. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Over the past few weeks, our Jewish community has bounced back and forth at light speed between celebration and mourning, joy and fear, delight and anger. We have had dozens of joyful, festive events that highlight the rich history, strength, and depth of Jewish life in San Diego. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Jewish Organizations in San Diego to Boycott LGBTQ Pride Parade Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAThe vile, hateful rhetoric that is considered protected free speech is not normalizing a robust debate on policy — which we welcome — but instead is normalizing a hatred of Jews that inspires violence, pure and simple. [Heidi Gantwerk]
OpEd: San Diego Has Its Instances of Vicious Antisemitism Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Holocaust, Israel, Opinion, San Diego County, Times of San Diego, Travel and Food, USAWe want to emphasize that there are no known threats to the Jewish community in San Diego at this time. The increased security measures are being taken out of an abundance of caution. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Law Enforcement Steps Up Patrols of Jewish Sites in San Diego County Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAFrom the shtetl of Tykocin, to the ashes of Treblinka, to the energy of Tel Aviv, it feels as though I have lived lifetimes over the past two weeks. [Heidi Gantwerk]
From Poland to Israel: March of the Living Saddens, Invigorates Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodI have been reflecting on the enduring relevance of the Passover holiday, and why the story of the Exodus always seems to meet the current moment. I wish that was not true; that instead the story of Passover felt purely historical. But this year especially, it feels more relevant than ever. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Passover Observance is Relevant for Current Moment Read More »
Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Heidi Gantwerk, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined ContributorsEvery Monday morning, our entire Federation staff sits down for a 30-minute “huddle.” We talk about what’s happening in the world, share joyful simchas and heartbreaking tragedies, reflect on the past week’s “wins,” and brief everyone on what’s coming in the week ahead. [Heidi Gantwerk]
A Busy Week for San Diego’s Jewish Federation Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAAfter 503 days, the news we dreaded – the news we knew on some level was coming – finally arrived last week. And all our hearts, which have been broken over and over for the past 16 months, broke open once again. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Jews Look to Each Other for Solace in Face of Bibas Family Murders Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAIn survey after survey, teens in the U.S. report increasing levels of anxiety, depression, bullying (in person and online), traumatic experiences, and even suicidal thoughts. Ninety-two percent of teens report extended use of screens on a daily basis. And, over 40% report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Guarding Jewish Teens’ Mental Health Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAThese Jewish communities have been extensively impacted. According to the reporting of 27 organizations, we know so far: 446 families (approximately 1,353 individuals) have lost their homes completely. 451 families (approximately 1,514 individuals) have damaged/uninhabitable homes. 47 families have lost their businesses. Approximately 20 professionals who work in the Jewish community have lost their homes. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Update on Southern California Wildfire Relief Efforts Read More »
California, Heidi Gantwerk, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined ContributorsToday, as we honor Martin Luther King Jr., I am thinking about how freedom, which seems so fundamental to human existence, almost always comes at a cost. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Fighting for Freedom in Israel/ Gaza and in the U.S. Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAAs December unfolds, the spirit of giving glows warmly around us. This is a time to embody the word hineni – “here I am” – and to bring light and safety to our community. [Jewish Federation of San Diego]
When my kids were very young, we had a Thanksgiving tradition (no doubt like so many other American families) of going around the table and saying what we were thankful for. The answers ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous, depending on the age and mood of the three boys. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Counting Our Blessing Every Friday Night Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined ContributorsWhere else but in Israel do you get in a cab only to hear a beautiful version of Unetaneh Tokef on the radio? Where else but in Israel does your airline pilot welcome you upon landing with a Chag Sameach, Shanah Tovah and G’mar Chatimah Tovah? [Heidi Gantwerk]
S.D. Jewish Federation Strengthens Ties with Grieving Sha’ar Hanegev Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA