SAN DIEGO (SDJW) — The shoe will be on the other foot for San Diego State, UC San Diego, Cal State San Marcos, the University of San Diego and other 4-year colleges and universities throughout the nation. The Anti-Defamation League has announced it is “developing a new tool to evaluate the climate of antisemitism on individual campuses.”
ADL added that it will publish a “report card” that every spring will offer students, parents, guidance counselors, admissions consultants, concerned alumni, and others with a comprehensive tool and comparative ranking to evaluate how colleges and universities are taking action to combat anti-Jewish hate on their campuses.”
“What has been allowed to happen on our campuses is unacceptable,” commented Jonathan Greenblatt, the ADL CEO. “Colleges and universities must commit to No Tolerance for Antisemitism, and they must must take clear, decisive steps to achieve that. ADL’s new ratings system will help students and parents to rank schools in a comparative fashion, but it also will offer an opportunity for campuses to demonstrate what they are doing right.”
ADL has a regional office in San Diego. The regional director is Febienne Perlov.
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StandWithUs has launched a Center for Legal Justice. The organization is now recruiting “students and community members to join the legal fight in combating antisemitism and supporting Israel,” according to a StandWithUs.
The new organization was “created as a direct result of the urgent need to assist students in K-12, in university, as well as members of the community, who face discrimination and antisemitic attacks as a result of being Jewish, Israeli, or promoting Zionism. Many of these students, who have suffered discrimination, harassment, bullying, or antisemitic attacks, are unable to afford legal services to effectively protect their rights.
“They face an uphill legal battle against the well-funded and established academic institutions which they attend. This is where the StandWithUs Center for Legal Justice comes in. Not only will we provide these students with access to highly competent attorneys, who can provide them representation to pursue any legal or administrative claims these individuals may have, but we will also provide this service at little to no cost to the student.”
StandWithUs has a regional office in San Diego. Its director is Oz Laniado.
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The Technion in Haifa, Israel reports that one of its faculties with the largest number of new undergraduate students is the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering. It is named for Rancho Santa Fe resident Andrew Viterbi and his late wife Erna. Andrew was a cofounder of Qualcomm with Irwin Jacobs. He is known as the inventor of the Viterbi algorithm which simplified cellular communications.
Meanwhile, at the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute in New York, 80 advanced-degree students will begin their studies, Technion announced. The Jacobs live in La Jolla.
Studies at both Technion venues had been delayed until Jan. 14 by the War in Gaza. “We are opening the academic year because that has always been and remains our response to every attempt to disrupt our lives,” commented Technion President Uri Sivan. “We will continue to educate our students with the values that guided us during the last 100 turbulent years: tolerance, inclusion, and a commitment to truth and justice. We will continue to support the security and economy of the State of Israel, and no less importantly, we will continue to be committed to Israeli society out of a deep social responsibility towards all its citizens.”
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Rabbi Avraham Bogopulsky, spiritual leader of Beth Jacob Congregation, has authored two books which may be purchased via this website. One is called Raising Community, Family and Ourselves and the other is titled Developing a Torah Personality.
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In the bulletin of Young Israel of San Diego, there appears this advertisement: “Halachic Haircuts, sponsored by Robert & Claire Sigal: It is halachically preferable to get haircuts from a shomer Shabbat Jewish barber (Shulcan Aruch, Yorah Deya 156). Call and schedule your haircut today with Yosef for L’kvod Shabos! Support your local Jewish Businesses.” It gives a phone number of 760-237-5947.
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Bonnie Baron seeks people to join the Drum Circle at 3 p.m., Tuesday, January 30, at Temple Emanu-El, 6299 Capri Drive, San Diego. She said, “The purpose of a drum circle is to give participants an in-the-moment experience of their own rhythmic spirit and power. … Drumming is for everyone! Come let the vibrations sooth away your stress, massage your muscles and un-clutter your mind. Everyone gets a drum to play, simple instructions are given, and we are off!” Leanne Pearl is the drum leader. A gratuity of $10 per person is requested.
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Rabbi Jason Nevarez of Congregation Beth Israel and his wife Nicole Nevarez will lead a Jewish Heritage River Cruise from Budapest to Prague on Uniworld’s SS Beatrice as part of a 10-day trip beginning May 11 to Budapest, Vienna, Regensburg, and Prague. The trip will include 7 nights cruising, 2 nights touring, 15 excursions, 5 UNESCO Heritage sites, and 22 meals, including a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner. Jackie Day, a representative of Uniworld, will make a presentation about the trip at 5:15 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 8, at Congregation Beth Israel. One may register via this link.
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The Women of Beth Israel are hosting from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 8, a “Bubbles & Book Swap,” explaining that it is “time to clear out your bookshelves and fill them with new-to-you books. Pass along your well-loved books and find your next favorite titles. … As you sip your bubbly and peruse the stacks, chat with your fellow Women of Beth Israel about their favorites and snack on some desserts.” The event, costing $18 for those who preregister, and $20 at the door is open to persons 21+ who identify as female.”
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The San Diego Padres have announced that this year’s Jewish Heritage Celebration at Petco Park will be at the Padres game against the Colorado Rockies, starting at 6:40 p.m., Tuesday, May 14, during Jewish American Heritage Month.
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–OBITUARY NOTICE–
Sue Engelman died Thursday, Jan 18, it was reported by Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Funeral services are scheduled Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 11 a.m., at Greenwood Memorial Park, 4300 Imperial Avenue, San Diego. Sue is survived by her husband Sam Engelman, children Allison Friedman (husband Stanley Friedman); Jane Engelman and Dr. Gaby Engelman; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
SDJW staff report