By Shayna Kaufmann, PhD
LA JOLLA, California — On Saturday evening, Nov. 4, I had the privilege of attending the San Diego Jewish Federation’s largest annual fundraiser, with over 540 other supporters, at their sold-out Federation 360 event.
Among the attendees who came together in solidarity were community leaders from all over San Diego, non-Jewish supporters, and ten teen “ShinShinim” (i.e., emissaries from Israel).
Event organizers remarkably balanced an evening of much needed joy and community, while remaining present to and not diminishing the heaviness and heartbreak of the ongoing war in Israel. People swayed with their arms around each other during Havdalah and as we sang Hatikvah, the Israeli National Anthem.
Co-chairs Glen Brodowsky and Jon Segal, and Lisa and Jon Pearl spoke from the heart, as did President and CEO Heidi Gantwerk and Board chair David Bark. Awards recognized and showcased outstanding members of the community. These were the Anne Ratner Award for Extraordinary Leadership, which was presented to Theresa Dupuis; the Michael Jeser Outstanding Jewish Professional Award given to Kesha Dorsey; and the Pauline and Stanley Foster Young Leadership Award received by Jordan Daniels and Shoshannah Hart.
Perhaps most moving and heart wrenching was Addi Cherry’s, a Kibbutz Nahal Oz survivor of the October 7th massacre attack, first-hand horrific account of her 20+ hour experience of terror in her safe room in her home, with her husband and three kids.
She shook as she spoke and we shook as we listened. It was difficult and necessary to hear.
Kudos to SD Federation for your service to so many in San Diego and in Israel, and Yasher Koach on a powerful event. To learn more about Federation and/or to donate to their local or Israel campaign, click here.
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Shayna Kaufmann lives in San Diego. She is Founder and President of Embrace The Middle, and serves as a board member of the Women’s Philanthropy unit of the Jewish Federation of San Diego.