Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee’s confirmation as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel was hailed by Jewish and Christian organizations on Wednesday, April 9. [SDJW staff report]
President Trump started out right when he proclaimed that he would weaponize a 1952 law to deport foreign students who disrupted campus activities, among other offenses. However, he has repeatedly blundered in executing this mission. [Bruce S. Ticker]
Questioning the Case against Mahmoud Khalil Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Halfway through U.S. voting in the 2025 World Zionist Congress election, turnout among American Jewry has already surpassed the total number of votes from the previous election for the body known as the “parliament of the Jewish people.” [Press Release]
High Turnout in World Zionist Congress Election Read More »
International, Israel, Press Release, USA
Liz, the great-aunt of Abigail, Michael, and Amalia, had released a book titled Saving Abigail, which recounts the harrowing and miraculous story of her family’s experience on October 7, 2023—the day of the brutal Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. [Miriam Gershenson]
Author Tells Harrowing Story of 3-Year-Old Israeli Hostage Read More »
Albert Kreimerman, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Jewish History, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
I raised the tariffs
On both U.S. friends and enemies. I raised the tariffs
I’m a genius on economies. … [Laurie Baron]
Satire: I Raised the Tariffs Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
Lahav Shani, the tall, young Israeli conductor of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), came on stage with confident stride and mounted the podium at the Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa for the final program of the IPO’s USA tour. This March 26 concert was preceded by appearances in New York City, Miami, Palm Beach, San Francisco and Los Angeles. [Eileen Wingard]
It’s a novel based in San Diego County about a pro-Palestinian campus demonstration in which a Mexican-American student is fatally shot while trying to save the life of his Jewish friend. [Donald H. Harrison]
Novel Envisions Trial of a University for Not Protecting Jewish Students Read More »
Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Every 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, USA
This narrative bursting with the anticipation of sacred inauguration, abruptly descends into the chilling silence of loss. The joyous celebration, the culmination of meticulous preparation, is shattered by the sudden, devastating demise of Nadav and Avihu, Aaron’s sons – a consuming fire that leaves Aaron speechless. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Contemporary Torah, Parsha Shemini: Loss, Grief and Community Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Heavy fighting in Gaza began on Tuesday night for the first time since the end of the ceasefire last month. Most of the new activity, which involved troops on the ground, in the air and on the sea, has taken place in the Rafah area. [Jewish Federation of San Diego roundup]
War in Israel: Update on Current Situation Read More »
Israel, Middle East, Press Release, USA
Just days after the New York Dyke March formally banned “Zionist” participants, LGBTQ+ Jews and allies are left asking a painful question: Is there still space for us in the progressive movement we helped build? [Yuval David]
OpEd: Dyke March Discriminated against Jewish LGBTQ Activists Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Some Yemeni Jews, quite familiar with the Torah, had memorized Exodus 19:4, which states, “You saw what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings to bring you to Me.” Taking the metaphor literally, they expected giant eagles to carry them to Israel, not airplanes, with which they were wholly unfamiliar. [Donald H. Harrison]
Immigration Drama Follows Jews from Yemen to Israel Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Fiction, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
American Jewish University (AJU) announced on Wednesday, April 2, the launch of ETH 105: American Jewish Ethnic Studies, a free, online college-level course designed to fulfill ethnic studies requirements in California. [Press Release]
American Jewish University Offers Ethnic Studies Course for High Schools Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Israel, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
RJC National Chairman Senator Norm Coleman and CEO Matt Brooks said: “Voters across the Sunshine State’s 6th Congressional district elected a conservative champion who will work every day to deliver on President Trump’s bold agenda for the American people…” [Press Release]
RJC Celebrates Election of 4th Jewish Republican to House of Representatives Read More »
Press Release, USA