AAA-Writers and photographers

Below are the names of writers who are currently active.  For others, living and deceased, please type their name into the search box above the masthead on our home page, www.sdjewishworld.com

Hostage Release Greeted in Israel with Intense Emotions

The return of our hostages from the abyss of their captivity in Gaza to the exhilarating reunion with their families enabled most Israelis, as well as Jews and supporters everywhere, to share in their happiness. We sat shedding tears of joy as we watched the events on our television screens. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

Hostage Release Greeted in Israel with Intense Emotions Read More »

Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors

TICO Concert at LFJCC Captivates with Beethoven’s 5th and Romero

Amos explained his choice of piece, noting that the symphony played a significant role during World War II, with the first four notes famously symbolizing the Morse code for “V” — the letter for “Victory.” This symbolic connection made it a particularly poignant selection on the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. (Sandy Scheller)

TICO Concert at LFJCC Captivates with Beethoven’s 5th and Romero Read More »

Holocaust, International, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Sandra Scheller, Staff and Bylined Contributors

‘Sallah Shabati’: A Story of Satire, Stereotypes, and My Family’s Reality

Watching Sallah Shabati at the San Diego International Jewish Film Festival at the Lawrence Familiy JCC — accompanied by Professor Laurie Baron’s insightful historical context — left me reflecting deeply not only on the film’s satirical brilliance but also on how it portrays Mizrahi immigrants, particularly those from Yemen. [Shahar Masori]

‘Sallah Shabati’: A Story of Satire, Stereotypes, and My Family’s Reality Read More »

Israel, Jewish History, Lawrence Baron, San Diego County, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Israel’s and UNRWA’S Relationship Reaches the Breaking Point

The relationship between Israel and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has reached a breaking point following staff involvement in the October 7 terrorist attacks and longstanding criticisms of its operations. These events have resulted in Israel’s decision to ban UNRWA from operating within its territories. [Miriam Gershenson]

Israel’s and UNRWA’S Relationship Reaches the Breaking Point Read More »

International, Israel, Jewish History, Miriam Gershenson, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Rain, Human Kindness Give Hope Amid Wildfires

We all breathed a sigh of relief with the little bit of rain that came in over the weekend to help  extinguish the fires in Los Angeles and around San Diego County. As I checked my alerts on my phone, these fires are still not 100% contained. They are still active. [Cailin Acosta]

Rain, Human Kindness Give Hope Amid Wildfires Read More »

Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire

Update on Southern California Wildfire Relief Efforts

These Jewish communities have been extensively impacted. According to the reporting of 27 organizations, we know so far:  446 families (approximately 1,353 individuals) have lost their homes completely. 451 families (approximately 1,514 individuals) have damaged/uninhabitable homes. 47 families have lost their businesses. Approximately 20 professionals who work in the Jewish community have lost their homes. [Heidi Gantwerk]

Update on Southern California Wildfire Relief Efforts Read More »

California, Heidi Gantwerk, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Biography: Edmund Landau, Mathematician Hounded by Nazis

His main areas of research were function theory and analytic number theory. Landau became world famous for his two-volume course Foundations of Analysis (1930), written with impeccable logical rigor. As a professor he enjoyed great success, doctoral students came to him from all over the world. [Alex Gordon]

Jewish Biography: Edmund Landau, Mathematician Hounded by Nazis Read More »

Alex Gordon, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Saving Lives as the World Fell Apart

Streets in Jerusalem and Petach Tikvah bear the name of Paul Gruninger, a Swiss police officer who stood as a beacon of humanity during one of history’s darkest chapters. In 1938, Paul Gruninger chose to defy heartless government policies with acts of extraordinary bravery, saving thousands of Jewish lives as Europe descended into madness. [Gedaliah Borvick]

Saving Lives as the World Fell Apart Read More »

Gedaliah Borvick, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors