La Jolla, California, based public relations executive Jacob Kamaras is a former editor-in-chief of the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS). He is an active member at Adat Yeshurun Synagogue.
By Jacob Kamaras LA JOLLA, California — Michael Rabin — beloved son, brother, friend, and community member — passed away on May 14 at home in La Jolla. He was 42. Born in Seattle on October 18, 1979, Michael was arguably best known for his vibrant, inimitable, unforgettable smile — a smile that made countless […]
In Memoriam: Michael Rabin, 42 Read More »
Jacob Kamaras, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County
By Jacob Kamaras (JNS) With the latest wave of Palestinian terrorism, the tensions that surround the Temple Mount and the firestorm of unverified allegations against Israel that followed the death of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, the leadup to this year’s observance of Jerusalem Day on May 28-29 has been tumultuous. Yet as they
From Jerusalem to Shusha: Jewish and Muslim Allies Can Stand Together Read More »
International, Jacob Kamaras, Middle East, Opinion, USA
By Jacob Kamaras L’Chaim Magazine LA JOLLA, California — Emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic with renewed energy, Congregation Adat Yeshurun of La Jolla this month will host “Breath of Fresh Aire,” the synagogue’s first in-person gala event since 2019. Long known for its welcoming atmosphere of caring and spiritual growth, one of San Diego’s premier
La Jolla’s Adat Yeshurun Keen on Communal Growth Ahead of ‘Breath of Fresh Aire’ Gala Read More »
Jacob Kamaras, Jewish Religion, San Diego County
By Jacob Kamaras Times of San Diego LA JOLLA, California — By finding at least one Jewish story at every exit from the Mexican border to Old Town San Diego, veteran journalist Donald H. Harrison’s book Schlepping and Schmoozing Along the Interstate 5 transforms the West Coast’s main north-south highway into a treasure trove of
New Book Stops ‘Exit by Exit’ Along I-5 to Recount Jewish Experience in San Diego Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jacob Kamaras, Jewish History, San Diego County
By Jacob Kamaras (JNS) Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, while serving as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine war as well as grappling with a wave of terrorism in Israel and the collapse of his governing coalition, has dealt with anything but “good news” in the weeks leading up to Passover. But just in time for
First Rehabilitation Hospital in Israel’s Negev Poised to Put Region ‘On the Map’ Read More »
Jacob Kamaras, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
By Jacob Kamaras SAN DIEGO — A Jewish audience would normally expect Ambassador Dennis Ross, who served as a foreign policy adviser in five U.S. presidential administrations, to speak about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But on March 15 at Jewish National Fund-USA’s Gould Legacy Society Appreciation Luncheon, Ross acknowledged that it was incumbent upon him to
Putin ‘Fundamentally Miscalculated’ in Ukraine, Amb. Dennis Ross Tells JNF-USA Event Read More »
International, Jacob Kamaras, Middle East, USA
“Truth,” said Mark Twain, “is stranger than fiction, because fiction has to be possible and truth doesn’t.” Indeed, no story from the San Diego Jewish World’s 2022 Purim Spoof section can possibly top the strange reality of November 30, 2021. That’s precisely why, in honor of Purim, we’re re-sharing the epic story of that night
By Jacob Kamaras LA JOLLA, California — Fourth-generation San Diegan Shana Hazan, in her candidacy for the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) Board of Education District B, says her quest for a school board seat is guided in part by Jewish values. “Tzedek (justice) and tikkun olam (repairing the world) really guided my great-grandparents,
By Jacob Kamaras (JNS) What new invention is named after a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, inspired by Israeli disability care and advancement organization, and designed by North American Jewish day-school students? It’s the “Shaquille O’ Wheel,” a reimagined basketball hoop that makes it easier for people using wheelchairs and others
North American Jewish Day School Students Score a Slam Dunk for Disability Awareness Read More »
Jacob Kamaras, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
By Jacob Kamaras LA JOLLA, California — As Dr. Jon Greenberg views Jewish history, “Anything terrible that happened, it’s going to become dessert.” The Passover Seder’s haroset symbolizes the cement that the Jews used to build pyramids while enslaved in Egypt. In different Jewish communities around the world, essentially every part of the Purim story
Torah-Science Expert to Uncover ‘Hidden Meaning in Everything’ on Biblical Nature Walk Read More »
Jacob Kamaras, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Travel and Food
By Jacob Kamaras (JNS) After a high-profile debate surrounding the role of antisemitism in the Jan. 15 synagogue hostage crisis in Colleyville, Texas, an Israel-education organization’s conference on cultivating greater understanding about antisemitism arguably could not have been timelier. While the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Dallas field office, Matthew DeSarno, raised eyebrows
By Jacob Kamaras One of the most important decisions I needed to make upon recently taking ownership of the San Diego Jewish World was, how should we spell antisemitism? The prior sentence should tell you everything you need to know about my decision. Nevertheless, here’s the story behind the style choice. In August 2021, The
The Case for Antisemitism (the Spelling) Read More »
International, Jacob Kamaras, Jewish History
By Jacob Kamaras If not me, who? That was ultimately the driving force behind my agreement with Donald (Don) Harrison to become the new owner and publisher of the San Diego Jewish World. If I didn’t take this leap and do my part to ensure a vibrant future for Jewish community news and commentary here
If Not Now, When? How I Almost Delayed My First Week as Publisher Read More »
Jacob Kamaras, San Diego County
By Jacob Kamaras LA JOLLA, California — What’s there to say about Donald (Don) Harrison, founder of the San Diego Jewish World and our soon-to-be editor emeritus, that hasn’t already been said? The media coverage surrounding my impending ownership of the publication has focused on the $1 purchase price, my unconventional mixture of careers in
Donald Harrison: Relentless Pursuer of Jewish Stories Read More »
Jacob Kamaras, San Diego County