Philanthropy & Volunteerism

Female rescuers of children from the Holocaust profiled

This book explores the biographies of eight remarkable women who gave thousands of innocent children caught in the horrors of World War II a chance to live. They did not act for fame or glory, but simply because it was the right thing to do. [Cailin Acosta]

Female rescuers of children from the Holocaust profiled Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jews in the news: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026

Efrat Sopher, head of the World Jewish Congress’s International Task Force on Iran and Islamic Extremism, said Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi may have the experience and the experience of the team around him, as well as widespread support in Iran, to lead the country which overthrew his father, the Shah, in 1979. [Donald H. Harrison]

Jews in the news: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 Read More »

Antisemitism, Business & Finance, California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Wikipedia

Jews in the News: Monday, Jan. 12, 2026

Fourteen Democratic U.S. Senators led by Alex Padilla of California and Ron Wyden of Oregon have filed a friends-of-the-court brief in the mail ballot case of Watson vs. Republican National Committee. That dispute involves the Republican party trying to invalidate a Mississippi law stating that so long as a mail-in ballot is postmarked on Election Day or before, it may be counted for up to five days beyond the election. [Donald H. Harrison]

Jews in the News: Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 Read More »

Antisemitism, California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, News Media, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Opinion: Democracy is not a spectator sport

Democracy isn’t a spectator sport, and we must get in the arena and use the tools of our democracy to defend it. The most meaningful action we can take is in the midterm elections. We must ensure Democrats take back control of Congress so they can restore checks and balances and provide oversight on the Executive Branch, given the GOP’s abdication of its authority and acquiescence to Trump. In the meantime, there are additional steps we can take to stand up, speak out, and advocate for our values. The most important thing is to not tune out and accept or normalize Trump’s trampling of our democratic norms and institutions. [Halie Soifer]

Opinion: Democracy is not a spectator sport Read More »

Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

New Programs at JFS: Nourish San Diego and Center for Jewish Wellbeing

We will launch our Center for Jewish Wellbeing, led by Shira Jacobs; expand support for healthy aging, behavioral health for tweens, teens, and young adults; and promote education that strengthens healthy relationships. We will continue to care for more than 500 Holocaust Survivors, ensuring their access to healthy nutrition, housing, home care, and community. [Dana Toppel]

New Programs at JFS: Nourish San Diego and Center for Jewish Wellbeing Read More »

Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

‘If you see something, say something.’ I did

I called the non-emergency line and described what I saw, and police arrived in minutes to search the teens and confiscate their items and the BB gun they threw over the fence. It seemed that they were all instructed to leave, as no one was arrested. [Cailin Acosta]

‘If you see something, say something.’ I did Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food

Jews in the news: Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026

[Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey] later issued a written statement, “The presence of federal immigration enforcement agents is causing chaos in our city and making our community less safe. We are demanding that ICE leave the city and state immediately. We stand rock solid with our immigrant and refugee communities.” [Donald H. Harrison]

Jews in the news: Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 Read More »

Business & Finance, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, News Media, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA, Wikipedia

‘Emma’ and ‘Noah’ most popular names for newborns in San Diego County

The San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s Office has released the top 10 baby names for 2025, based on birth records filed throughout San Diego County. The list reflects both enduring favorites and the county’s rich cultural diversity, highlighting the names parents most often chose for their newborns last year. [Cailin Acosta]

‘Emma’ and ‘Noah’ most popular names for newborns in San Diego County Read More »

Cailin Acosta, International, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

San Diego County residents stepped up in response to shrinking federal assistance

Washington pulled back. Funding was cut. Programs people rely on were suddenly at risk. And for a moment, it would have been easy to feel like so much was out of our control. But that’s not what San Diego did. Instead, neighbors stepped up. Volunteers showed up. Community organizations leaned in. And together, we made a different choice – one rooted in care, fairness, and responsibility for one another. [Terra Lawson-Remer]

San Diego County residents stepped up in response to shrinking federal assistance Read More »

Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Holocaust Survivor Says Jewish Communal Disappointment with Australian Politicians Runs High

His opinions about Australia’s leadership should be given due weight in the wake of the Dec. 14 massacre of 15 celebrants at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on the first night of Chanukah and the Dec. 25 bombing in Melbourne of an unoccupied car toting a mobile billboard that said, “Happy Chanukah.” [Donald H. Harrison]

Holocaust Survivor Says Jewish Communal Disappointment with Australian Politicians Runs High Read More »

Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors