The Gmach warehouse, an essential service of the Kindness Initiative, is experiencing significant growth due to an increasing demand for the household goods and services it provides to local Jewish families in need. [Miriam Gershenson]
The family and I attended the “December Nights” event in Balboa Park on Friday, Dec. 6 in historic Balboa Park. Through the crowds of hungry and thirsty attendees, we made our way to the House of Israel. We were greeted by a security guard at the front door and there was also another guard at the back of the house. [Cailin Acosta]
House of Israel Serves Up Latkes During December Nights Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Middle East, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAThe story of Arvin Nathaniel Ghahremani is a haunting reminder of the challenges faced by Jews in Iran. In 2022, at the age of 18, Ghahremani found himself in a violent altercation that would ultimately cost him his life, not because of justice, but because of systemic prejudice. [Miriam Gershenson]
OpEd: Ghahremani’s Execution Underscores Iran’s Persecution of Jews Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Middle East, Miriam Gershenson, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Held at the Loma Santa Fe Country Club, the event was buzzing with energy, filled with local vendors, live music, and an outpouring of support for the families impacted by the tragic events of October 7th in Israel. [Miriam Gershenson]
Adopt-A-Family Boutique Raises Money for Terror Victims in Israel Read More »
Albert Kreimerman, Business & Finance, Israel, Lifestyles, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Kedar also shed light on the complex alliances and rivalries shaping the region. He highlighted the strained relationship between Iran and its proxies, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, which has been exacerbated by Israel’s recent military successes. He predicted that the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape could shift further after January 20, aligning with potential changes in U.S. administration policies [Miriam Gershenson]
Dr. Mordechai Kedar, a Middle Eastern affairs expert, is no stranger to innovative and bold proposals for resolving long standing regional conflicts. Among his most discussed ideas is the 8-State Solution, or as he quickly clarifies, the “8 Emirates Solution.” During our conversation, he provided an in-depth explanation of the concept, grounded in his extensive experience and understanding of Middle Eastern geopolitics and sociology. [Miriam Gershenson]
Israeli Scholar Proposes ‘8-Emirates Solution’ for Palestinians Read More »
Israel, Middle East, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Kedar emphasized that Islam views Judaism as having been nullified twice—first by Christianity and then by Islam itself. This ideological framework, Kedar argued, underpins much of the hostility toward Israel and the Jewish people in the Middle East today. According to this belief, the existence of Jews with their own land, military, and rights is an incomprehensible anomaly to the Islamic world. [Miriam Gershenson]
Israeli Scholar Explains Religious Conflicts Between Jews and Muslims Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Every other month, the Jewish Community Center (JCC) comes alive with the buzz of community, culture, and preparation for Shabbat at the Shabbat Market. This unique event offers a perfect blend of practicality and festivity, giving attendees the chance to shop for Shabbat essentials, connect with friends old and new, and immerse themselves in the warmth of local Jewish life. [Miriam Gershenson]
Shabbat Market Brings Variety of Goods, Unity of Purpose Read More »
Albert Kreimerman, Business & Finance, Israel, Jewish Religion, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
On a memorable evening at the JCC this past Friday, community members gathered to celebrate Shabbat in a unique and vibrant way, honoring four distinct Jewish cultures: South African, Mexican, Israeli, and American. Organized by SAJAC, KEN, IAC, and the JCC, the event brought together about 150 people—adults and children alike—for a potluck-style gathering full of music, fun, and fellowship. [Miriam Gershenson]
International Shabbat Prompted Jewish Mingling Among Four Cultures Read More »
International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Numerous international cottages of Balboa Park’s House of Pacific Relations were shuttered Saturday, Oct. 26, as police and the FBI investigated a suspicious package that had been hoisted on the flagpole of the House of Israel. [Donald H. Harrison and Miriam Gershenson]
Suspicious Device, Not a Bomb, Forces Evacuation of International Cottages Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Miriam Gershenson, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
These stories, spoken with raw emotion and courage, offered a window into the profound loss and resilience of a community forever changed by the tragedy. As voices broke and tears were shed, the room was united not only in grief but also in the hope that these memories would ensure the lives taken would never be forgotten. [Miriam Gershenson]
Stories of Oct. 7, 2023 Losses and Resilience at San Diego Event Read More »
Albert Kreimerman, Israel, Jewish History, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The gathering brought together community members, local politicians, religious leaders, and artists, all united by the shared goal of combating antisemitism, supporting Israel, and fostering strong bonds between Christians and Jews. [Miriam Gershenson]
Christians and Jews Celebrate Israel, Fight Against Antisemitism Read More »
Albert Kreimerman, Israel, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
It is hard to believe that a year later, the war is still waging and 101 hostages both dead and alive are still living the nightmare in Gaza. The trauma affects Jews all around the world. This was evident at the Lawrence Family JCC lawn where thousands of people gathered to commemorate and unite. [Miriam Gershenson]
Thousands at JCC Mark First Yahrzeit of October 7, 2023 Massacre Victims Read More »
Albert Kreimerman, Israel, Jewish History, Miriam Gershenson, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Sivani’s House, an immersive exhibit installed at The Hive at Leichtag Commons, does not focus on the politics of that day. Instead, it offers an intimate look at the story of one family’s grief—a story that transcends tragedy and speaks to the universal experience of love and loss. [Miriam Gershenson and Albert Kreimerman]
Sivani’s House is an Emotional Exhibit of Remembrance for Oct. 7 Victims Read More »
Albert Kreimerman, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors