OpEd: Jewish Values Demand Moral Clarity–Not Equivalence–in Gaza

Recently, the Times of San Diego published an opinion piece, (which was republished by San Diego Jewish World) titled “As a Father, Jew and Councilmember, I’m Appalled by Brutality in Gaza” by Sean Elo-Rivera.

While I respect the sincerity behind that essay and the concern it reflects for the lives of all children, it represents a troubling trend in our public discourse: invoking Jewish identity as a moral credential to justify arguments built on ahistorical comparisons and dangerous false moral equivalence. [Mitch Danzig, Times of San Diego]

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Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, San Diego County, USA

Varied TICO Concert Features Light Classical and Pop Selections

Assistant conductor Robert Zelickman led the Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra (TICO) in a crisp, nuanced and energetic reading of Saint-Saens’ March Militaire Francais to start off the matinee Pops Concert in the Synagogue’s Cohen Social Hall. [Eileen Wingard]

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Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Alaskan Synagogue Depends on Volunteers

Two Torahs saved from the Holocaust were obtained, one from the Czech Republic; the other from Hungary.  A congregant whose hobby is woodworking built the Holy Ark within which to keep them. Another congregant created a rustic chuppah.  Jewish books were donated to the congregational library.  Temple Sukkat Shalom (Shelter of Peace) is small, yet compact. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

JPAC Opposes Penalizing UCLA $1 Billion for Failing to Protect Jewish Students

Substantial work remains to effectively fight antisemitism on campus. However, cutting vital federal research funding or imposing a billion-dollar penalty would instead harm students, disrupt life-saving research, threaten economic growth, and undermine one of the nation’s most respected public university systems. [Press Release]

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

Illinois City Makes IHRA Definition of Antisemitism an Ordinance

This landmark legislation positions Highland Park as the first city in Illinois to enshrine this definition through an ordinance rather than a resolution. The ordinance requires the city manager to incorporate the IHRA working definition and its eleven contemporary examples when implementing employment and anti-discrimination policies. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, Jewish History, Press Release, USA

Remembering Jan Genossar, Holocaust Survivor and Physics Professor, on the Centennial of His Birth

Having experienced the fear of persecution by executioners, he became the epitome of courage and bravery. Having learned what absolute evil was, he became an absolutely good man. [Alex Gordon]

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Alex Gordon, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Kindness Initiative Sets $50,000 Fundraising Goal

San Diego Gives is just weeks away, and we need you to help us reach our most ambitious goal yet—supporting over 15,000 Jews right here in San Diego who are facing poverty, homelessness, and urgent crises. It’s a hard reality, but that’s precisely why Kindness Initiative exists. [Press Release]

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Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release, San Diego County

NIS 750 Million Budget Authorized by KKL-JNF to Rebuild War-Torn Communities in Israel

Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) announced on Monday, August 11, the approval of a special rehabilitation budget of NIS 750 million to restore and develop communities in northern Israel and the western Negev severely affected by the “Iron Swords” war. [Press Release]

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Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release