Already, 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, USAYet, 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]
Local JPride Festival Attracted North of 1,000 Celebrants Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Lifestyles, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAThe 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]
Keeping Track of Friends and Relatives in War-Damaged Israel Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, Travel and Food, USAWhile 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]
Jewish Federation Offers Resources for Staying Informed about Israel-Iran War Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAPlease 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]
Jewish Federation Reactivates Israel Emergency Campaign, Schedules Webinar for June 17 Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Middle East, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAI have been in touch with the leadership of the Sha’ar HaNegev municipality, who shared with me how much our outreach and support mean to them. [Heidi Gantwerk]
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]
Jewish Organizations in San Diego to Boycott LGBTQ Pride Parade Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA