For two years, we’ve carried the words “we will dance again” in our hearts. And to close out FED360, we did just that. We danced. Joyfully, energetically, breathlessly, unapologetically. Together, we celebrated the strength and resilience of our community and the impact of building belonging and connection. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Throughout the visit, we were constantly struck by the powerful sense of connection and peoplehood we experienced. After speaking with the head of the Maccabi program in Guatemala for just five minutes, we had invited one another to visit our homes, and it already felt like we had known each other for far longer. (Heidi Gantwerk)
[A]s the plane took off for Santiago, a young family in the row across from us brought out electric candles and began singing the holiday blessings with their toddlers. We sang along, and everyone wished each other a chag sameach. The mother looked over at me and said, “We all need to do everything we can to bring light into the world today.” I felt a weight lift, and off we went. [Heidi Gantwerk]
A trip to Chile and spreading the light here in San Diego Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodI say once again: Jews around the world, and right here in San Diego, have the absolute right to feel safe and to be safe. We should not have to hide our joy, move our celebrations indoors, or “tone it down” to avoid attracting any unwanted attention. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Law Enforcement Officials Pledge Protection for S.D. Chanukah Events Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
For the past four years, we have leaned into travel as one of the most effective ways to build our own Jewish community, strengthen San Diego’s sense of “Am Yisrael,” and connect people to the essential, often lifesaving work Federation supports around the world. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Jewish Federation Launched 4 Simultaneous International Trips Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodThe BRIDGE Initiative—Building Resilient Identity & Deep Global Engagement—honors that [Chortek family] legacy by investing in the next generation. Over the next five years, the initiative will house a portfolio of high-impact programs at Federation … (Heidi Gantwerk)
Federation Extols 5-Year ‘Bridge’ Program for Jewish Teens Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodAlready, our Jewish institutions are seeing increased need. And while national political decisions may be out of our hands, we can control how we show up for one another. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Jewish Resources Available to Weather Government Shutdown Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAThanks to contributions to our Israel Emergency Fund, hope and resilience continue to take root in Sha’ar HaNegev and across Israel. I want to share how your generosity has been put to work as Israel rebuilds, recovers, and looks toward a stronger future. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Some Projects Jewish Federation Supports in Sha’ar HaNegev, Israel Read More »
California, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined ContributorsWe have collectively been holding our breath, waiting for this moment. The images leave us speechless – filled with relief and joy at their return, burdened by the painful knowledge that their healing will be long and difficult, and grieving for the 28 who did not survive captivity. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Hostages are Free, Free at Last Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAIsrael and Hamas have agreed to a comprehensive end-of-war and hostage release deal, brokered by President Donald Trump, which is set to be signed in Egypt on Thursday afternoon. {Heidi Gantwerk]
Details of Trump-Brokered Peace Deal Between Israel and Hamas Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAThis year, I wonder: How would Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Joseph, Miriam, Moses, Esther and the others view our modern Jewish experience? [Heidi Gantwerk]
What Would Our Patriarchs and Matriarchs Think? Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined ContributorsRabbi Delphine Horvilleur wrote, “We are in a time of mashber. It’s a time of anger and hope, death and life. It’s the birthing of something new and no one knows what that’s going to be.” [Heidi Gantwerk]
Crises Spawn Creativity; Let it Be So in This Period of Crisis for the Jewish People Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish Religion, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Rona Epstein [is] the daughter of the current Sha’ar HaNegev mayor Ori Epstein and the niece of the previous mayor, Ofir Libstein (z”l). She is 20 years old, and a lifelong resident of the kibbutz. She led us on a tour of the worst day of her life, with stops at the spots where two of her uncles, her grandmother, her cousin, and her brother died that day. [Heidi Gantwerk]
700 Days Too Many which Hostages Have Suffered Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAWe studied Jewish text designed to guide us in thinking through our responsibilities in relation to Israel, what is happening in Gaza, and the rising threats to the Jewish people. [Heidi Gantwerk]
It’s a Jewish Time for Soul-Searching Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA