Heidi Gantwerk

Local JPride Festival Attracted North of 1,000 Celebrants

Yet, even in this moment of rising engagement, many in our community still feel disconnected and unsure of their place in Jewish life. This is without a doubt a moment of opportunity to extend the feeling of belonging to the more than 100,000 Jews that call San Diego home.  [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Lifestyles, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Keeping Track of Friends and Relatives in War-Damaged Israel

The scenes of destruction across the country are heartbreaking. The damage inflicted upon the Weizmann Institute and Soroka Hospital is horrific. Every injury and every life lost is devastating, and rebuilding will take years. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, Travel and Food, USA

Jewish Federation Offers Resources for Staying Informed about Israel-Iran War

While the Iranian regime continues targeting Israeli civilian areas and the pace of incoming missile fire has slowed, the situation remains volatile. Our friends in Israel are weary, and they deeply appreciate the moral support from our San Diego community. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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

Jewish Federation Reactivates Israel Emergency Campaign, Schedules Webinar for June 17

Please register for the webinar Operation Rising Lion: Update from Israel and Sha’ar HaNegev and learn first-hand from friends in Israel and our partners on the ground in Sha’ar HaNegev how they are being affected, and what needs are emerging. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Middle East, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Organizations in San Diego to Boycott LGBTQ Pride Parade

Over the past few weeks, our Jewish community has bounced back and forth at light speed between celebration and mourning, joy and fear, delight and anger. We have had dozens of joyful, festive events that highlight the rich history, strength, and depth of Jewish life in San Diego. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Passover Observance is Relevant for Current Moment

I have been reflecting on the enduring relevance of the Passover holiday, and why the story of the Exodus always seems to meet the current moment. I wish that was not true; that instead the story of Passover felt purely historical. But this year especially, it feels more relevant than ever. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Heidi Gantwerk, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

A Busy Week for San Diego’s Jewish Federation

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]

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Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Guarding Jewish Teens’ Mental Health

In survey after survey, teens in the U.S. report increasing levels of anxiety, depression, bullying (in person and online), traumatic experiences, and even suicidal thoughts. Ninety-two percent of teens report extended use of screens on a daily basis. And, over 40% report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Heidi Gantwerk, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Update on Southern California Wildfire Relief Efforts

These Jewish communities have been extensively impacted. According to the reporting of 27 organizations, we know so far:  446 families (approximately 1,353 individuals) have lost their homes completely. 451 families (approximately 1,514 individuals) have damaged/uninhabitable homes. 47 families have lost their businesses. Approximately 20 professionals who work in the Jewish community have lost their homes. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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California, Heidi Gantwerk, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors