International

Purim story recalled in Israeli-U.S. fight against Iran

ust today, Israelis in the center of the country had to walk or run to safe rooms four or five times (I can’t keep track). Also today in the supermarket, we had to crowd into a safety area not once but twice. Nearly all Israelis are staying at home or close to it. [Steve Kramer]

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International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, USA

Keshet celebrates 20th anniversary of impactful film about gay Jewish students and faculty coming out

As a high school student in Florida, I spent much of my time challenging administrators and founding my school’s Gay Straight Alliance. Safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students and allies were few and far between then, and they are far from guaranteed now. [Jaimie H. Krass]

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Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Student essays on antisemitism have chance to win $2,500 scholarship

B’nai B’rith has invited college students to share their experiences of antisemitism at their school by entering its 2026 “None Shall Be Afraid” Essay Contest. Winners will earn scholarships as well as the opportunity to have their essays published. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, USA

A full schedule of events

Jewish Federation of San Diego invites the community to join Jewish Federations of North America for its webinar “Briefing: Israel and the United States at War with Iran” at noon, Wednesday, March 4. [Cailin Acosta]

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Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, California, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA

Thoughts of an Israeli retiree as the war with Iran intensifies

And so, we spent the day hovering between our chilly basement shelter and our comfortable sitting-room as alarms rang out from our phones, radios and TV sets, as well as outside in the public arena. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

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Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

The Purim Spiel: An explanation and an example

Beyond the surface-level parody, the Spiel functions as a sophisticated tool for the mastery of terror. By transforming a genocidal antagonist—whether the biblical Haman or his modern iterations—into a buffoonish, pitiable caricature, the community performs a collective “reclamation of power.” [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

Jewish Federation urges ‘situational awareness’ at Purim events

While there is no local threat, global events can have ripple effects. As Purim celebrations and other gatherings approach, we encourage you to participate fully, and to practice heightened situational awareness and adherence to all security protocols. [Press Release)

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Press Release, San Diego County, USA

Reactions to joint Israel-U.S. bombing of Iran, killing of the ayatollah

Here, alphabetized by sender, are some of the Jewish reactions sent to San Diego Jewish World following the bombing of Iran and the killing of its top leaders by the United States and Israel: [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA