I have thought about that message many times since he shared it with me. Ever since then, like Lior wrote, we have gotten through it together. We have focused on recovery, rebuilding, on hope. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Two contrasting Simcha Torah memories Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAThis year, and I hope for the next 90, we want to work toward a San Diego where every Jewish person, and everyone connected to our community, can find a place where they feel seen, valued and heard, and where they can come together with others around a shared purpose. {Heidi Gantwerk]
To build our Jewish community, extend an invitation to a stranger Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The San Diego chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America requires those seeking its endorsement to refrain from any affiliation with what it calls “Zionist lobby groups,” a prohibition that encompasses liberal organizations that criticize Israeli policy and support Palestinian statehood. When the label attaches regardless of what a group advocates, “Zionist” has stopped describing a political position and become shorthand for “Jew.” (Jason Nevarez, Heidi Gantwerk, Sara E. Brown)
Antisemitism disguised as anti-Zionism by Democratic Socialists of America Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish History, News Media, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
On Sunday, following months of hard work by many human hands, more than 200 Jewish young adults came together to start building something new and totally their own. From every corner of the county and across the spectrum of Jewish experience, these proudly Jewish San Diegans, ages 25 to 40, showed up for the launch of Mosaic, a new community of communities created and curated by young people for themselves and others like them. They came searching for Jewish experiences and wanting to belong, to feel seen, valued, and heard in a Jewish space that meets them where they are. [Heidi Gantwerk]
‘Mosaic,’ for Jews 25-40, launched under Jewish Federation auspices Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAAfter years of war, extended evacuation, separation, and profound grief, there is a new energy in Sha’ar HaNegev focused on rebuilding and reconnecting its 10,000 residents. I came away moved, inspired, and immensely proud that San Diego has been such a critical partner in this work. (Heidi Gantwerk)
Come witness the remarkable resilience in Sha’ar HaNegev Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodBy Heidi Gantwerk in San Diego As this campaign year comes to a close, I am reminded of what our community can accomplish when we show up for one another, especially in moments that test us most. The ongoing war in Israel, the long road to recovery, and rising antisemitism here at home have challenged
Federation fundraises for many good causes Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USALast week, our Israeli counterparts visited here to understand what it means to be Jewish in America today, and how Jewish organizations are working to ensure that we are safe and that Jewish life thrives in San Diego. [Heidi Gantwerk]
San Diego’s Jewish executives forge bonds with Sha’ar HaNegev counterparts Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAWe have long believed that security cannot be an afterthought for any community of faith — and today is a devastating reminder that this reality extends to every house of worship in our city and across the country. That is why we are in Washington fighting for resources that protect communities like the one attacked today. [Heidi Gantwerk]
We realized that if we truly wanted to reach students where they are at scale, we needed to rethink the entire model. So, we asked: what if, instead of waiting for students to come to us, we brought the experience directly to them? [Heidi Gantwerk]
Holocaust van will take education to students instead of vice versa Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThis Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center | JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS, members of our community will come together to commemorate Yom HaShoah. I urge you to join us for this moving and meaningful event. Many of San Diego’s remaining Holocaust survivors will be there, and I cannot overstate what an honor it is to be in the room with these precious souls. To be in their presence is a privilege we will only have for a short time longer. [Heidi Gantwerk]
The importance of San Diego’s Holocaust commemoration this Sunday Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAJewish Federation of San Diego President & CEO Heidi Gantwerk has been invited by Jewish Federations of North America to be featured in a special national briefing tomorrow morning, March 12, on the conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. [Press Release]
Heidi Gantwerk to participate in national hookup about Mideast War Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Middle East, Press Release, San Diego County, USAFor two weeks, we were transported into a place more “foreign” than anywhere else I have visited, yet every encounter was positive, welcoming, and gracious. Through our modern Western lens, we kept asking about antisemitism, historically or today. It simply isn’t there, and I cannot express how refreshing that was to hear. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Federation mission to India ‘refreshing’ and broadening Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAFor 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)