Heidi Gantwerk

A Word from Your Federation: A Month of Togetherness & Community Commemorations

This year’s events demonstrated the San Diego Jewish community’s resilience and unity. Despite geopolitical tensions, anti-Israel protests across our college campuses, and the rising tide of antisemitism, we showed up for each other, affirming our shared identity and commitment to our heritage. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Holocaust, Israel, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

San Diego Jewish Federation Women’s Report: To Cuba With Love

Still, Jewish life exists in Cuba. At Temple Beth Sholom (a Reform synagogue and community center in Havana), Shabbat services take place whenever there is food for Shabbat dinner, usually from visiting groups like ours. They gather for Shabbat despite not having a rabbi anywhere in Cuba. The congregants have learned to do everything themselves, often even offering special blessings to young couples and others leaving Cuba to make Aliyah. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Heidi Gantwerk, International, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

San Diego Jewish Community Statement on Campus Turbulence

The presence of pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel protests, including a significant walkout at SDSU and an unsettling encampment at UCSD, has created an atmosphere of intimidation and misinformation that deeply concerns us all. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Opinion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

A Word from Your Federation: How Your Support Impacts Local Security Efforts & Relief in Sha’ar HaNegev

In these challenging times, it is imperative that we stand together, ensuring the safety of our Jewish institutions and supporting Jews in need – both locally and across the globe. Today, I bring you updates on two major initiatives that have been fueled by San Diego’s generosity and philanthropic spirit: enhancing community security and supporting relief efforts in our Israeli sister region, Sha’ar HaNegev. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Seders With Prayers for Hostages and Thoughts about Campus Safety

If you are interested in showing up to support Jewish college students at UCSD during the upcoming “Peace in Israel” week, our partner Hillel of San Diego asks that you participate in their webinar, “So You Want to Support Students,” on Wednesday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m. Register here. {Heidi Gantwerk]

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Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Federation’s CEO: ‘Lo Kol B’Seder’ in Israel

Today, I am writing from Sha’ar HaNegev, where just this morning a therapist told me that here, it is still October 7. I can hear Israeli artillery in the background. This morning brought news of four soldiers killed overnight in Gaza. Last night I attended a somber protest focused on the safe return of the hostages. This morning, I attended a meeting of the management team. The sheer number of daunting challenges they are reviewing is overwhelming. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

A Word From Your Federation: Empowered Jewish Women: Leading the Way with Compassion and Collective Impact

As we near the end of Women’s History Month, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable contributions of Jewish women to our community. For nearly 90 years, Jewish Federation of San Diego has been a beacon of hope, a force for good, and a pillar of support for the Jewish community – both locally and across the globe. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Injection of Purim Joy So Needed in Our Lives

As we head into Purim this weekend, I am reminded that being Jewish is a gift; one that has so much to offer and brings such meaning and purpose to my life. It can also bring so much joy. So, this year, although I’m stretched, stressed and wildly busy, it feels more important than ever to make room for joy. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Mexico City Jews Not Just Affiliated; they Are Part of a Kehilla

Preserving ethnic traditions from Damascus, Aleppo, Eastern Europe, Turkey and other former centers of Jewish life around the world is at the heart of these distinct communities. “Affiliation” does not do their model justice; you are not just affiliated with a synagogue or a school in Mexico, you are part of a true kehillah, a community – complete with schools, sports, financial support, social infrastructure, and more; one where your parents and grandparents likely belonged as well. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Heidi Gantwerk, International, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

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

The Israel-Hamas War: An Update from the Jewish Federation of San Diego

Jewish Federations’ Israel Emergency Campaign has now raised a total of $768 million system-wide (San Diego has raised almost $8.65 million) and has allocated over $283 million to a wide range of humanitarian organizations in Israel. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA