OpEd: Ethnic Studies Push Is Well Meaning But Could Prove Divisive

Ethnic studies will be a required course for graduation for all California high school students, starting with the class of 2030, thanks to state Assembly Bill 101. Signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in October 2021, the bill calls for providing students with a better understanding of the contributions and struggles of four ethnic groups: Native Americans, Latinx Americans, Black Americans and Asian Americans. [Marsha Sutton, Times of San Diego]

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Antisemitism, California, Israel, Opinion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Dinah Shore

In 1951, she debuted The Dinah Shore Show on NBC television, and in 1956 The Dinah Shore Chevy Show, a variety show that continued through 1961.  She sang with Ella Fitzgerald, Mahalia Jackson, Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, and Pearl Bailey. When Tennessee Ernie Ford appeared on the show, she kiddingly introduced him as Tennessee Ernie Chevrolet. [SDJW staff]

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Jewish Celebrities, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday

A Word from Your Federation: Benefits of Immersive Travel Demonstrated During Mission to Mexico City

national findings from RootOne suggest immersive travel to Israel and other global Jewish communities often becomes a catalyst for enduring engagement, understanding, and advocacy within the Jewish community back home. These experiences stand as vital instruments against the forces of isolation and antisemitism, nurturing a resilient and active Jewish identity for generations to come. [Heidi Gantwerk, Jewish Federation of San Diego]

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Heidi Gantwerk, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Egypt’s al-Sissi says Rafah crossing with Gaza was always open

Published by DPA International Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi said on Wednesday his country has always kept open the Rafah border crossing, the only access into the Gaza Strip that is not controlled by Israel. “Egypt has never closed the crossing, but to be able to act in a fighting situation, we have to be cautious

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International, Israel, Middle East, Nordot

Republican Jewish Coalition Lauds McConnell’s Pro-Israel Stance upon His Announcement He Will Step Down as Senate Leader

“Senator McConnell’s accomplishments are too numerous to detail, but American Jews are especially appreciative right now for his leadership since Hamas launched its brutal attacks against Israel on October 7.” [Press Release, Republican Jewish Coalition]

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Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, USA

Israeli Speaker’s Event Violently Disrupted at UC Berkeley

“BWe are outraged at the events that unfolded. Many of our students are hurt and frightened. This is never acceptable behavior and has no place in civil discourse. We are proud of the students who organized the event and remained steadfast and courageous in the face of bullying and threats. Berkeley Hillel steadfastly condemns any acts of antisemitism, vandalism, and violence and remains committed to supporting Jewish students’ ability to fully express their Jewish identity without fear….” [Press Release, Berkeley Hillel]

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California, Israel, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

Federation Delineates Its Aid to Sha’ar Hanegev, Israel

This is a very special time for our San Diego Jewish community, as we play host to 130 high school students and 20 staff members from our beloved Israeli sister region, Sha’ar HaNegev. These teens traveled to San Diego for 10 days away from war and the hardships they continue to face in Israel. This trip was the first time many of them have seen each other since being evacuated across Israel. [Press Release]

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Israel, Press Release, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

How Poets Are Found for the JCC’s Poetry Programming

The Jewish Poets—Jewish Voices Committee prides itself on discovering poetic talent within our community for the featured poets segments. During its sixteen seasons, it has featured the same poet again only once, Zev Bar-Lev, z”l. At one program, he read his Hebrew poems, at the other, his English works. [Eileen Wingard]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Eileen Wingard, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Hamas Broke the Ceasefire on Oct. 7; Now Its Supporters Want Another One

All this misery started with a cease-fire already in effect between Israel and Hamas, at 6:30 a.m. on Oct. 7. Then terrorists from Gaza swooped across the border and murdered, maimed and raped Israelis, leaving 1,200 corpses behind throughout southern Israel. They seized 240 villagers and soldiers and held them in Gaza; 100 have been released so far. [Bruce S. Ticker]

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Bruce Ticker, International, Israel, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Reports: Religious, far-right parties gain in local Israeli elections

Published by DPA International Ultra-Orthodox and far-right parties are making gains in Israel’s municipal elections, according to media reports from Wednesday. In Jerusalem City Council, preliminary results indicate an “unprecedented majority” of ultra-Orthodox forces, the Times of Israel reported on Wednesday. The turnout, which included large numbers of ultra-Orthodox voters as other groups stayed away,

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Israel, Nordot

With 100,000 protest votes, Michigan sends message to Biden

Published by AFP Detroit (AFP) – Just over 100,000 people in Michigan voted “uncommitted” in the swing state’s Democratic primary, provisional results showed Wednesday, after a protest movement urged voters to punish President Joe Biden over his support for Israel’s war in Gaza. Though Biden handily won the vote, the uncommitted ballots, representing 13 percent

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Israel, Middle East, Nordot, USA