By 
By L’CHAIM Staff
Join the San Diego Jewish community for an inspiring evening celebrating community, culture, and impact at the Israeli American Council Gala on January 9. Hear from remarkable speakers, including Elan S. Carr, CEO of the IAC and former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, who will share insights drawing from his extensive experience in public service and advocacy. Miriam Peretz, renowned educator and Israel Prize recipient will inspire with her story of resilience, turning personal loss into a mission of hope and empowerment. Dumisani Washington is the Founder and CEO of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel (IBSI), a pastor, musician, and author dedicated to fostering connections between the Black community and Israel through advocacy, education, and the arts.
IAC is a national community-based organization. By building an engaged and united Israeli-American community, the Jewish organization works every day to deepen the Jewish and Israeli identity of our next generation, empower the American Jewish community, and strengthen the bond between the United States and the State of Israel. IAC’s mission is to fight the scourge of antisemitism using the most powerful force: a strong and engaged community that has Israel at heart.
The San Diego chapter is vibrant and active, offering a wide range of activities and programs for individuals of all ages. Among its initiatives, the chapter features programs like “Keshet,” which is designed for young children aged four to eight and their families, where they learn about holidays, Israeli culture, and language. The chapter also offers the “Eitanim” entrepreneurship program for teenagers, with precredit from UCSD which connects them with Israel as a startup nation. Additionally, “Mishelanu” focuses on engaging students at UCSD and SDSU through gatherings that celebrate holidays, foster ambassadorship for Israel, and combat antisemitism.
This year, the San Diego chapter hosted several community events, such as “Shishi Israeli,” which brought together hundreds of families to celebrate Israeli culture on Fridays. Since October 7, IAC has also organized rallies and events to support hostages and stand in solidarity with Israel.
By supporting the IAC, you are helping to combat antisemitism, foster Jewish identity, and promote the unbreakable bond between Israel and the Jewish community here in San Diego. Together, we are building a powerful movement that stands strong in its values and makes a lasting impact.
On February 2nd, 2025, the community will come together for “Standing Together” a symposium for community learning and action, with the aim of combatting antisemitism. Partnering with Federation, AJC’s intention is to build on the success of last year’s inaugural event and expand in scope and size, with programming designed for allies of the Jewish community, a teen track, and additional breakout workshops to meet the growing needs of our community.
AJC and Federation will address rising antisemitism and develop tools to stop its spread. This symposium will bring together stakeholder and community members from across San Diego. All are invited to attend and explore new ways to work as a community, engage in civil discourse, and build bridges for the future.
This year’s symposium will center on the belief that when we use our voices to push antisemitism and those who espouse it to the fringes of society, America becomes a safer place not only for Jews, but for all. The normalization of antisemitism in society is dangerous, and we must work together to tackle the unprecedented threats facing world Jewry and shape a new future for Israel and the Jewish people. A pluralistic society which protects the rights of Jews is healthier for other minority groups and one where civic institutions flourish.
Program Overview
Expect powerful speakers, breakout workshops led by key thought leaders, and interactive opportunities for dialogue, reflection and connection.
Participate in engaging workshops that will build on last year’s successful series and cover a broad array of topics including misinformation and disinformation, campus antisemitism, antisemitism and the DEI movement, antisemitism 101, and Jewish narratives in K-12 education.
There are three tracks for participants to attend workshops geared towards their lives and experiences. It is also an opportunity to join a cohort of individuals with similar interests and lived experiences. The following tracks will be offered: Jewish Community, Allies to the Jewish Community and Teen Track: Offered to all students currently attending high school (9th-12th grade).
Let’s stand together against antisemitism and make a lasting impact on our community!
Don’t miss these unique opportunities to be part of the solution.
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