Israel

SDJA Students Return from Tours of Poland, Israel

“Being here and seeing how many people are affected by Yom HaZikaron, how everyone knows someone who is fighting or has fought in the Israeli Defense Forces themselves…to see then how that commitment translates to a passion for the country on Yom Ha’atzmaut was really special.” [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Travel and Food, USA

Why I Didn’t Become French

After my repatriation to Israel, I traveled to France frequently for research work in physics. There I met a French physics professor, a Jew who knew my stepfather and claimed that I could obtain French citizenship because I had French historical roots. I loved the language and culture of France, but I preferred to be an Israeli, if only because of my thoughts on “Where is France going?” [Alex Gordon]

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Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

‘Dog Days of Summer’ About the Heavens, Not About Pooches

Are we in the “dog days of summer?” According to History.com, the phrase has nothing to do with dogs barking or panting in the oppressive heat. It referred to the ancient civilizations that tracked the seasons by looking at the sky. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

OpEd: Pro-Israel Volunteers Needed to Counter Paid Pro-Hamas Students

Since when do college kids want to sit through hours of boring meetings? Then I found out, they get paid for their “activism.” Amnesty International is one such employer as this advertisement posted in Seattle, Washington, demonstrates. [Miriam Gershenson]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Miriam Gershenson, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Emotional Times Take Toll; Rabbi Mathew Marko Resigns Tifereth Israel Synagogue Pulpit

This weekend Rabbi Mathew Marko will lead his last Shabbat services as the spiritual leader of Tifereth Israel Synagogue. He resigned at the two-year mark of a three-year contract. His explanation, in a letter to the Conservative synagogue’s congregants, should help us understand how sometimes life brings extraordinary pressures and stresses upon a congregational rabbi. [Donald H. Harrison]

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

AJC: Worrying Trends in European Elections

The results have shown significant progress for extreme right parties across Europe, which was a major concern for Jewish communities around the continent in the lead-up to the election, as the situation for European Jewry had already been dire in recent months due to an unprecedented rise in antisemitism following Hamas’ October 7th terror attacks against Israel. [Simone Rodan-Benzaquen]

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Antisemitism, International, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Federation of San Diego Meets the Moment

This year marked the dividing line of this generation: before October 7 and after. Thanks to a strong national Federation system, powerful ties with international and local partners, a deep relationship with Sha’ar HaNegev, and a robust Community Security Initiative, we met the moment, and we continue to do in so many ways, both here in San Diego and in Israel. {Heidi Gantwerk]

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Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Young Adults from Sha’ar HaNegev, Israel, Enjoy San Diego Hospitality

Thursday night was the perfect night for cold, poured-from-the-tap ciders and making new friends. The Jewish Federation of San Diego hosted the Young Adult Delegation from Sha’ar HaNegev at Bivouac Ciderworks Adventure Lodge in North Park. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

An Israeli-American Perspective: Getting to the Point Here and There

One of the most striking differences between American and Israeli communication is the approach to politeness and directness. Americans are generally known for their politeness and often indirect communication style. They use euphemisms, hedge their statements, and tend to avoid direct confrontation. This is rooted in a cultural preference for maintaining harmony and avoiding offense. For example, an American might say, “That’s an interesting idea,” even if they disagree, to soften the blow. [Shahar Masori]

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Israel, Lifestyles, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Biden, Trump Clash in First Debate Over Israel, Charlottesville Neo-Nazis

President Biden accused former President Trump of being an admirer of Adolf Hitler, and Trump accused Biden of favoring Palestinians over Israelis in a wild, hard-swinging debate Thursday night moderated by CNN reporters/ anchors Dana Bash and Jake Tapper, who are both members of the Jewish community. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

A Word from Your Federation: Meeting the Moment, Commitment and Relevance

As we close out another remarkable year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the unwavering dedication and resilience of Jewish Federation of San Diego. [David Bark, Board Chair, Jewish Federation of San Diego]

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Antisemitism, International, Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Mariano Idelman

Courtesy of Wikipedia Mariano Idelman (June 27, 1974) is an Argentinian-born Israeli actor and comedian. He is well known for acting in the popular TV show Eretz Nehederet. In 1996 he appeared in Dudu Topaz’s stand-up comedy show called The First in Entertainment with Eli Finish and signed a 2-year contract with the show. Click here to read more of

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Israel, Jewish Celebrities, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

OpEd: Dropping Charges against Columbia University Trespassers Sends Wrong Message

“No police officers were injured. It would therefore be extremely difficult for (prosecutors) to prove any charge other than trespass at trial,” explained Assistant District Attorney Stephen Millan. [Bruce Ticker]

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Bruce Ticker, Israel, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA