By Heidi Gantwerk
Heidi Gantwerk
SAN DIEGO — These days, the concept of k’lal yisrael, “all of Israel,” is always on my mind. The abstract concept of “Jewish peoplehood” has never felt so tangible, so present in all of our lives. And as Jews, it is a miztvah, both an obligation and a blessing, to connect with and support Jews around the world.
The past two weeks have been a testament to the spirit of k’lal yisrael that is so powerfully realized here in San Diego, and to the boundless generosity and warmth of our own Jewish community. San Diego had the privilege of hosting 130 courageous teens from Sha’ar HaNegev along with 20 staff members, providing them all with much-needed respite and a home away from home.From the moment they arrived, our community’s open arms created an atmosphere of joy, love, and connection. For many of them, still living as refugees across Israel, this trip was the first time they had seen one another since October 7th, and it gave them a real chance to breathe. Witnessing the reunions, the laughter, the dancing and the almost immediate love between the Israelis, their host families and SDJA counterparts moved me deeply and underscored the strength of our bonds. These moments of unity and celebration will remain etched in my heart, a beautiful reminder of our collective capacity for kindness and support.I am filled with profound gratitude for each person and organization that contributed to making this experience unforgettable for our young guests. The enthusiasm and dedication of our community partners, particularly Zvi Weiss, Shani Abed and the San Diego Jewish Academy, were instrumental. Their efforts in coordinating host families, engaging activities, and spiritual experiences were nothing short of remarkable. The loving involvement of several of our synagogues who welcomed students for Shabbat and the Lawrence Family JCC, which hosted a beautiful Havdalah celebration, enriched this journey with meaningful traditions and warmth. (Paired, of course, with many, many trips to Target, which may have rivaled Disneyland as the Israeli teens’ top tourist attraction.)The diverse array of activities, from educational workshops and community service to the simple pleasures of surf lessons and amusement park visits, provided the teens with a balanced experience of growth, joy, and healing. The support from a team of Israeli psychologists and social workers and the open hearts of host families and peers facilitated a space for healing, allowing these young souls to share their stories and begin mending.This initiative’s success reflects the unparalleled collaboration and dedication within our community. The San Diego Jewish Academy, the Lawrence Family JCC, Seacrest Village Retirement Communities, Jewish Family Service, and countless others have been pillars of support, showcasing the best of what we can achieve together.And on behalf of the entire delegation and our Federation, I send the sincerest thanks to you, because your generous support of our Israel Emergency Fund made this visit possible.As we look forward, let us remember that our commitment to the Sha’ar HaNegev community and each other does not end here.We will continue to stand by their side, offering our support and love as they navigate the road to recovery and beyond.To everyone who played a part in this extraordinary endeavor, your generosity has made a lasting impact. The bonds formed and the memories created have assured our friends from Sha’ar HaNegev that they will always have a family and a home in San Diego. For this, I am eternally grateful.
*
Heidi Gantwerk is president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego.
