Heidi Gantwerk

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

Jewish Federation of San Diego Reports on Israel-Gaza War: November 1

By Heidi Gantwerk and David Bark Dear friends, We are now more than three weeks into Israel’s war with Hamas. Here are a few key updates: The ground operation into Gaza appears to have expanded considerably, with heavy clashes against Hamas reported. Thirteen Israeli soldiers have been confirmed dead. The IDF has significantly bolstered the

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Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, San Diego County

Jewish Federation CEO: My Trip to Washington in Support of Israel

By Heidi Gantwerk SAN DIEGO — On Tuesday, I, along with Federation Board Chair David Bark, flew to Washington D.C. to gather with more than 200 Federation and partner agency leaders, philanthropists, and many national officials — all in support of Israel. We heard extraordinarily strong words of support from Congressional leadership from both sides

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Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Opinion, San Diego County, USA

Addressing Internet Propaganda During a Time of War in Israel

By Heidi Gantwerk and Bill Ganley SAN DIEGO — We have been made aware of propaganda circulating on the internet and social media calling for violence targeting Jews and Jewish organizations around the world on Friday, October 13, 2023. This form of emotional terrorism is meant to deter us from daily routines, activities, and adversely

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Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, San Diego County

Jewish Federation of San Diego Reports on Israel-Gaza War: October 11

By Heidi Gantwerk and David Bark Dear friends, Later today, we will be sending a separate email with information on how you can personally help and become an integral part of our community’s efforts during this incredible time of need. Our thoughts are with those affected, and we are committed to keeping you informed. Here’s

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Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, USA

Jewish Federation of San Diego Reports on Israel-Gaza War: October 10

By Heidi Gantwerk and David Bark Dear friends, We want to invite you to two upcoming community events: Join our community as we show support and solidarity tonight, Tuesday, October 10, at 7 p.m. at the community Vigil for Israel. Tomorrow, October 11 at 10 a.m., we will have the opportunity to hear from Maia

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Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, USA

Jewish Federation of San Diego Reports on Israel-Gaza War: October 9

By Heidi Gantwerk and David Bark SAN DIEGO — Our thoughts continue to be with the people affected by this crisis, and we remain committed to providing you with accurate and timely information as it becomes available. Here’s what we have learned so far: More than 700 Israelis killed, over 2,300 wounded, and roughly 150

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Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, USA

Celebrating the Richness and Diversity of Our Jewish Community

By Heidi Gantwerk SAN DIEGO — Our last day of the CommUNITY Trip to Israel found us at Anu, The Museum of the Jewish People. This incredible museum shares the story of the Jewish people over thousands of years and celebrates a remarkably rich and diverse tapestry of modern Jewish life. To walk into a

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Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Opinion, San Diego County