LA JOLLA, California (SDJW) — In advance of what has been advertised as a massive protest by the Students for Justice in Palestine, Karen Parry, the executive director of Hillel of San Diego, sent a letter on Tuesday to supporters saying her most important priority is “keeping Jewish students safe–first, foremost and always.”
The demonstration, for which some anti-Israel students and their supporters will be bussed to the campus, has been scheduled at 3 p.m., Wednesday, in the vicinity of the colorful sun god statue created by Nikki de Saint Phalle.
Parry said, “We are urging the UCSD administration to do everything possible to maintain a safe environment for Jewish students. We’ve been coordinating closely with campus security and administration, Hillel International, our Jewish Federation, ADL, AJC, SWU and other partners to ensure there are strong plans in place, including additional security officers on campus and effective strategies for students. Our building will be open to Jewish students during the protest, and serve as a safe space to anyone who needs it, with programming and staff available to any student who needs support.”
“Jewish students at UCSD should be able to learn and study, openly celebrate their Jewish identities, and express their support for the Jewish state without fear of harassment or threats, in a learning environment that is safe and free of hostility,” Parry said.
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FOR EACH OF THEM, A HEARTY ‘MAZEL TOV!’
San Diego’s neighboring city of Tijuana may see a Jewish woman serving as their country’s president, if current election polling showing former Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo well ahead of Xochitl Galvez holds up through the June 2 presidential election. One poll showed Sheinbaum Pardo of the Morena party with a 29 point lead among likely voters over Galvez of the PRIAN party, with Movimiento Ciudadano candidate polling only in single digits. Another poll shows her lead at 30 percentage points. Sheinbaum Pardo, a secular Jew whose father is Ashkenazi and mother Sephardi, has a doctorate in energy engineering and has authored two books on energy, the environment, and sustainable development. She was part of the International Panel on Climate Change that shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore.
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The philosophy of Kindness/ G’mach, formerly known as the Jewish Gift Closet, is not only to supply needy Jews with items they need, but to do so in a dignified manner, without causing embarrassment. Karen Lock, the director of the the warehouse program, is said to have a special touch in making people feel seen and valued. “Whether it’s a parent mentioning their child’s sensitivity, or a client feeling embarrassed about visiting the warehouse, Karen’s thoughtfulness shines through,” according to the organization’s newsletter. “She remembers personal details and takes proactive steps, such as texting parents about a random sensory toy she receives or a coffee maker she heard someone mention they were looking for.” Above is a video in which Lock explains her mission.
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Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel, a prolific author, has recently published Psalm 23: An Odyssey of Faith: Rediscovering the Personal God in Judaism. Samuel, spiritual leader of Temple Beth Shalom in Chula Vista, writes that even without the shadow of the Holocaust, beliveving in God remains a dilemma for today’s Jews.
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-OBITUARY NOTICE-
A family-placed notice in the March 5 San Diego Union-Tribune notes the passing March 2 of Alan Magerman, 88, a Carlsbad resident who hailed from Philadelphia. “A lifelong sports fan, Alan will always be remembered for his love of horse racing, the Phillies, Villanova Basketball and Maccabi USA. He loved Israel and most importantly he loved and was devoted to his grandchildren,” the notice said. Predeceased by his wife Phyllis, he is survived by sons Joel and Michael, and their respecive spouses Tonja and Kelly, five grandchildren, and a sister Janet Widra. Funeral services and burial will be in Pennsylvania. The family said donations may be made to Maccabi USA in his memory.
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SDJW staff