Annual Report 2025
Vision Mission
A vibrant, caring, connected, and secure Jewish community.
Inspired by Jewish values, we broaden and deepen engagement in Jewish life to strengthen Jewish identity, foster dynamic connections with Israel, and care for all Jews in need. We mobilize our community’s resources, leaders, and organizations to address the community’s most critical needs, creating profound impact locally, in Israel, and around the world.
2024-2025 Board of Directors
Director-at-Large members
David Bark*
Jeff Schindler*
Debbie Deverett*
Heidi Gantwerk*
Sonia Israel*
Larry Katz*
Jack Maizel*
Sara Kabakoff
Heather Keith
Tina Beranbaum
Jeremy Pearl
BoardChair
BoardChairElect&ViceCo-Chair,Campaign
Women’sPhilanthropyBoardChair
President&CEO
ViceCo-Chair,Campaign
ViceChairFinance&Secretary/Treasurer
ImmediatePastBoardChair
Women’sPhilanthropyCampaignCo-Chair
Women’sPhilanthropyCampaignCo-Chair
BoardChair,JewishCommunityFoundation
CEO,JewishCommunityFoundation
*Indicates Executive Committee
Simone Abelsohn*
David Abraham
David Bramzon*
Silvana Christy
Julie Datnow
Ronit Droker
Josh Feder
Uri Feldman
Kira Finkenberg*
Allison Hauser Erickson
Debbie Kornberg
Lisa Kornfeld
Seth Krosner
Ingram Losner
Meryl Maneker
Lisa Pearl
Robert Rubenstein*
Elliot Scott
Sarah Shekhter
Victor Shlionsky
Howard Somers
Guri Stark
Dear Friends,
This past year was extraordinary—not only for the challenges we faced, but for the powerful way our community responded. In the face of rising antisemitism and global crises, you stepped up, showing unwavering commitment to our shared values of compassion, resilience, and responsibility.
Thanks to your generosity, we raised a record-breaking $10.8 million through our annual campaign, the highest in our history. In total, we raised more than $19.1 million, fueling programs that bring Jewish learning, culture, and connection to life while investing in Holocaust education, emergency response in Israel, and key projects in Sha’ar HaNegev like the Beit Melachah Therapeutic Arts Workshop, where creativity and healing inspire hope.
While we faced moments of grief and fear, we also celebrated powerful expressions of Jewish joy, pride, and connection. From community festivals to inspiring teen travel programs like Israel Unfiltered, we witnessed the next generation deepening their connection to Jewish life and building lifelong bonds with global Jewry and each other. Your support reaffirmed that we are never alone and reminded us that community isn’t something we inherit, but something we create together, one step at a time.
Thank you for meeting this moment with us—for choosing hope, choosing strength, and choosing each other.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to making an even greater impact, and we invite you to join us in going all in—for our people, our future, and the world we’re building together.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication to our shared cause. We invite you to reflect on the stories and achievements in this year’s Annual Report, and take pride in all we have accomplished together.
With deepest gratitude,
Heidi Gantwerk President & CEO
David Bark Board Chair, 2024-25
Caring for Jews in Need
Our work spans the full spectrum of care, helping low-income seniors and Holocaust Survivors live with dignity, offering a safety net for families in crisis, providing chaplaincy services and access to an indigent burial fund, and ensuring teens facing mental health challenges are never left to navigate alone. That same commitment to care extends beyond San Diego, reaching Jewish communities around the world. Through our international partners—the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), and World ORT—we respond to urgent needs, deliver critical aid during crises, and strengthen Jewish life in Israel and more than 70 countries worldwide.
New Life Club
Now sponsored by our Federation, the New Life Club is a thriving social group where Holocaust Survivors and their families can connect, share, and find solace. Founded in 1953, the club meets monthly for a variety of activities, including lectures, concerts, shows, and meals, creating a vibrant and supportive environment. Equally important, the New Life Club helps Survivors connect, build lasting friendships, deepen mutual understanding, and create an invaluable sense of belonging. These connections help combat isolation and ensure that Survivors know they are part of a caring community that honors and supports them.
Hebrew Free Loan Guarantor Fund
Jewish Federation of San Diego helps open doors to opportunity by serving as a guarantor for qualified applicants seeking interest-free loans through Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego (HFLSD). Guided by the Jewish values of tzedakah (justice/charity), gemilut hasadim (acts of loving kindness), and tikkun olam (repairing the world), HFLSD provides these loans to help individuals and families overcome financial challenges. By stepping in as a guarantor, Federation makes it possible for more community members to access this vital support and build stronger, more stable futures.
15% 9%
25% 22%
of Jewish households in San Diego County live under the Federal Poverty Level
of Jewish community members are financially struggling
of Jewish adults in our community facing financial struggles felt lonely often or all of the time in the previous week
of Jewish households in San Diego have a member whose work, school, or activities are limited by a chronic health issue, special need, or disability
*Source: 2023 Blueprint for our Future: San Diego Jewish Community Study
Building a Vibrant Jewish Future
We are investing in transformational experiences that shape a stronger, more connected Jewish future. These initiatives aim to inspire a lifelong love of Judaism, build resilience in the face of growing challenges, and bring our community closer together across generations. To ensure lasting impact, we are cultivating a powerful pipeline of emerging leaders grounded in Jewish values, driven by purpose, and ready to guide our community forward.
Courageous Leadership Initiative (CLI)
In partnership with the Shalom Hartman Institute, Federation brings together community leaders to address critical questions and the most enduring challenges we face today. We strive to bring Jewish values and ideas to the heart of communal Jewish leadership while exploring opportunities for partnership and collaboration around a shared vision for Jewish life.
Leadership, Education and Discovery Series (LEADS)
LEADS is a dynamic leadership development program for young adults. LEADS introduces future leaders to Jewish life in San Diego through visits to various Jewish institutions, helping them build their peer network, confidence, and leadership skills.
Student-to-Student (STS)
LEADS inspired me to be more proactive in being more involved in my Jewish culture and community.
- LEADS Participant
This research backed program is designed to empower Jewish middle and high school students to share their Jewish journey with their non-Jewish peers, helping disrupt patterns of ignorance and hatred that fuel antisemitism.
Through engagement with STS Teen Ambassadors, non-Jewish high school students gain a deeper understanding of Jews and Judaism, increase their awareness of religious and cultural differences and commonalities, and develop a stronger desire to interrupt antisemitic comments and stereotypes, both in and outside of school.
of teachers strongly agree that Student-to-Student presentations break down stereotypes and effectively engage their students
of students report that they have shared what they learned or have taken another step to learn more about Judaism
of teachers report that students continue to discuss what they learned from Student-to-Student presentations in their classrooms afterward
*Source: 2019 report conducted by LS Associates
Connecting with Israel & Global Peoplehood
Strengthening the global Jewish family is at the heart of our work, with dedicated efforts to rebuild Israel and support Sha’ar HaNegev. We advance this vision through cultural exchanges that connect San Diegans with Jewish communities worldwide—through travel, education, and shared experiences. From Mexico City to Budapest, our community has come together with Jews across the globe to build lasting bonds. These opportunities deepen Jewish identity and foster meaningful relationships, ensuring a vibrant and unified people. As a result, teens and young adults are forming lifelong connections with Israel and carrying our collective story forward.
Strengthening Our Global Ties: Mexico City Connection
As part of our growing commitment to fostering vibrant Jewish life through global relationships, Federation has expanded its international engagement with meaningful connections in Mexico City.
Our southern neighbor has graciously welcomed a growing number of San Diego delegations, creating powerful opportunities for cultural exchange, leadership development, and shared celebration. Together, we are building lasting relationships with the Jewish community of Mexico City, cultivating a dynamic space to exchange ideas, deepen our mutual understanding, and celebrate Jewish life across borders.
Recent exchanges have included:
Community Mission to Mexico City: An immersive journey exploring Jewish heritage, community institutions, and opportunities for shared impact.
Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Mission: Empowering women leaders through inspiring site visits and collaborative vision-building.
Global Ambassador Program: A vibrant cultural exchange uniting Jewish teens from San Diego and Mexico City, nurturing leadership and lifelong connection.
Israel Unfiltered
Thanks to the transformational gift from the Zeff family, Israel Unfiltered is a life-changing experience that builds confidence, identity, and lifelong bonds for high school students.
Our 2025 program, adapted in light of global realities, shifted from Israel to Central Europe, yet stayed true to its purpose.
Twenty-two local teens explored new cultures, engaged deeply with Jewish history, and discovered personal meaning through global experiences.
Through travel, dialogue with international peers, and moments of reflection, participants returned home seeing the world and themselves through a bold, meaningful Jewish lens.
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My experience was truly amazing. Learning about Europe’s rich culture, particularly Jewish culture, in the cities and places we visited was incredibly enjoyable. While I initially traveled with friends I already knew, the trip provided an opportunity to connect with individuals I hadn’t interacted with much before. It also helped me develop stronger relationships with acquaintances, turning them into close friends.
- David Ramirez, Israel Unfiltered Participant
Creating a Secure & Resilient Community
We are standing strong against rising antisemitism and ensuring our community remains safe, resilient, and united. Our work is made possible through investments in security that protect synagogues, schools, and gathering places. Additionally, we are empowering teens with the social and emotional tools to navigate an increasingly complex world with confidence. Federation is leading the fight against hate through partnerships that amplify our collective voice, guaranteeing that our community remains a force for courage, security, and solidarity.
High Holiday Security Grants
More than $120,000 in security grants to 34 Jewish institutions to fund the elevated costs in hiring extra personnel.
More than $66,000 to ensure safety to 12 Jewish preschools to hire guards and ensure safety for our youngest.
Legacy of Light: Goldberg Institute for Holocaust Education
The flagship of the Institute is our new interactive mobile museum, set to arrive in Spring 2026. This interactive learning experience will feature our San Diego Survivors and provide a new and futureforward method of teaching the Holocaust. Our team is working in partnership with San Diego Unified School District, as well as numerous Jewish organizations, to expand the museum’s impact. Equipped with cutting-edge technology; the mobile museum will usher in a new and accessible era of Holocaust education.
Jewish Community Security Institute (JCSI)
Since 2022, Federation’s JCSI enrolls local institutional leaders in a six-session program focused on security best practices. Session topics include “Stop the Bleed” training, cybersecurity, and other critical areas. Participating organizations also receive a Federation grant of $10,000 to fund security improvements. This year, JCSI trained eight partner institutions securing Orthodox communities.
Holocaust Education in Spanish
Federation hosted culturally relevant and engaging workshops for Spanish-speaking students in the Sweetwater school district, ensuring that the vital history of the Holocaust, and its lessons, are shared across communities and languages. The courses are purposefully designed and customized for San Diego’s Spanish-speaking community, setting a new standard for local Holocaust education.
Federation’s Response in Israel
In the wake of October 7 and the ensuing war with Hamas, Federation quickly mobilized to meet urgent needs in Sha’ar HaNegev and across Israel, providing evacuation support, emergency supplies, trauma care, and resilience assistance. As the crisis evolved, our focus shifted from immediate emergency response to long-term rebuilding, healing, and securing Israel’s future.
Moving forward, we are embarking on the next phase: raising $10 million to expand this work, rebuilding homes, schools, and community infrastructure while investing in resilience and trauma-recovery programs to support the emotional and psychological recovery of survivors, families, and entire communities.
Together, we will help ensure that Sha’ar HaNegev and all of Israel not only rebuild, but thrive. Israel
Revitalizing Beit Melachah
What is Beit Melachah?
Beit Melachah (Center for Arts and Therapy) is a therapeutic art center in Sha’ar HaNegev that will be a sanctuary for healing after the unimaginable trauma of October 7. With the community’s extraordinary generosity, Federation raised nearly $2 million last year to renew and expand the center.
The revitalized Beit Melachah will offer a safe, creative space where individuals and families can process grief, reconnect, and begin to rebuild their lives through art, therapy, and community—serving as a beacon of resilience and healing for those living along the Gaza Envelope.
Honoring a Legacy, Building a Future
Founded by Livnat Kutz z”l, an artist and educator who believed deeply in the healing power of art, Beit Melachah carries forward her vision after she and her family were tragically killed on October 7. In the months that followed, temporary programs were launched in evacuation centers to provide immediate support.
The revitalized Beit Melachah will include:
- Creative Learning Spaces
- Therapeutic Kitchen
- Carpentry and Ceramics Workshops
- Science and Innovation Center
- Safe Rooms for Secure Healing
Now, as families return to Sha’ar HaNegev, the revitalized Beit Melachah will stand as both a tribute to Livnat’s legacy and a lifeline for the community—offering creative therapies and a source of hope for children, teens, and adults for generations to come.
Livnat Kutz z”l, and her family who were tragically killed on Oct. 7
2025 Overview
Total Philanthropic Dollars Raised:
$ 19,110,300 2,139
Total Number of Donors:
Breakdown of Philanthropic Dollars Raised
Growth in Donor Engagement
Donor Engagement
Donor engagement saw healthy growth across all categories compared to 2024, with 909 returning donors, 649 new donors, and 356 reactivated donors. This mix of loyal supporters, first-time contributors, and re-engaged community members reflects
Federation’s ability to sustain its core base while expanding outreach to new and past donors.
Positioned for Impact in 2026
As we look toward fiscal year 2026, Federation is entering a period of bold investment and strategic focus designed to strengthen Jewish life both locally and globally. Guided by our mission and responsive to today’s realities, we are directing significant resources into our local community through strategic grantmaking and programming
These allocations are not just about numbers on a chart—they represent a clear commitment to our values and our vision. Our investments in our partners will ensure that organizations across San Diego and beyond can meet pressing needs and pursue new initiatives. Funding for our programs will expand access and create new opportunities for connection, education, and engagement. This includes our commitment to Holocaust education through the Legacy of Light: Goldberg Institute for Holocaust Education, preserving memory and strengthening our collective resolve against antisemitism. Additionally, we will continue to support the rebuilding and revitalization of Israel.
The Path Forward
Our 2026 outlook positions Federation as a convener, a catalyst, and a steadfast partner. By aligning resources with our deepest values and highest priorities, we are ensuring that the Jewish community of San Diego is prepared not only to meet the challenges of today but to thrive for generations to come.
FY2026 Allocations for Strategic Pillars
What will your legacy be?
Planned giving is more than a financial decision. It’s a reflection of your deepest values and a commitment to the Jewish future. When you include Federation in your estate plans, you become part of the cherished tradition of l’dor v’dor, passing down strength, compassion, and resilience from one generation to the next.
Whether through a bequest, retirement fund, life insurance policy, or endowment, your legacy gift ensures that Jewish life in San Diego continues to thrive. From helping Holocaust Survivors age with dignity to empowering the next generation of Jewish leaders, your foresight makes it all possible.
To learn more about creating a legacy gift that reflects your values and vision, contact Michael Rabkin, Chief Development Officer, michaelr@jewishinsandiego.org.
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I grew up in a home where helping others was part of everyday life. If someone was in need, my parents were there to help. Now it is our turn. Andy (z”l) and I always felt strongly that we needed – wanted – to support the Jewish community in any way that we could. It is one thing to give money yearly. It is all together something else to leave a legacy for after we are gone. We hope that will help ensure the survival and the growth of our community and thus guarantee that the Jewish community will be there for our children and for our grandchildren.
“Kol Yisrael arevim zeh la-zeh.” Taking care of others is one of our core Jewish values. And what better way than leaving a legacy to guarantee that the Jewish community will indeed be able to take care of others.
- Dr. Sonia Israel
The legacy of our people is vast and has extended to areas such as philosophy, ethics, legal systems, and cultural practices. The Jewish community has had beneficial effects on scholarship, education and the concept of Tikkun Olam.
Marie and I, as our legacy, support the continuation of these values, especially education and community.
What is your legacy? Commit to it.
- Dr. Robert Rubenstein
What does it mean to be all in?
It means showing up every day—not just when crisis strikes. It means recognizing that Jewish life in San Diego, in Israel, and around the world is our shared responsibility. It’s about choosing connection over complacency, action over apathy, and belonging over silence.
During the 2024-2025 fiscal year, we raised more than $19 million in total philanthropic impact, anchored by nearly $11 million in our annual campaign. This historic show of unity and purpose was a testament to our collective strength. That generosity wasn’t just a response to crisis; it was a declaration: This community is strong. This community cares. This community shows up.
Now, we are carrying that momentum forward and investing in resilience. With the same energy and purpose that fueled our emergency response, we are building long-term strength through education, security, leadership, and legacy.
“All in” is more than a slogan. It’s a commitment to showing up fully, giving boldly, and staying united.
It’s how we live as a community.
Why I’m all in
In 2026, we’re inviting you to go all in—to build on the momentum we’ve created, and to help shape the Jewish future we all believe in.
For me, being “all in” means recognizing that a strong Jewish community doesn’t just happen — it’s something we create, nurture, and pass on.
My multi-year pledge reflects my commitment to ensuring that our community experiences the same deep sense of connection and belonging that shaped my life.
My Jewish life in San Diego has certainly been enhanced by my involvement in community.
- Debbie De verett
Travel with Federation
Men’s Mission to Cuba
NOVEMBER 2025
Journey with us to Cuba – an island alive with rhythm, resilience, and remarkable stories set against a backdrop of colonial architecture, vibrant streets, and the soulful pulse of AfroCuban culture. This dynamic experience takes you deep into the heart of Cuba’s small but fiercely devoted Jewish community, whose commitment to preserving their faith is as inspiring as it is resilient. This isn’t just a trip — it’s a chance to connect, discover, and experience Cuba in a way you’ll never forget.
Trip co-chairs: Jeff Schindler and Todd Kirschen
Israel Unfiltered
JUNE 2026
Israel Unfiltered offers Jewish teens the chance to experience Israel as it truly is— authentic, complex, and deeply meaningful. This trip encourages participants to step into the story and experience Israel’s vibrant culture firsthand, all while creating lifelong memories and relationships.
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Major Donor Mission to India
FEBRUARY 2026
Jews of the Raj: Exploring Faith and Culture in India is an exclusive immersive experience being curated especially for our Major Donors.
Trip chair: Sonia Israel
Community Trip to Israel
MAY 2027
Another Community Trip to Israel is in the works, and you’re invited to join this extraordinary journey. Explore historic sites, connect with Sha’ar HaNegev, and create lasting bonds that strengthen your Jewish identity in San Diego.
For those seeking to extend their adventure, an optional post-trip journey to Budapest, Hungary, will be available.
Trip chairs:
Jerri-Ann & Gary Jacobs, Larry Katz & Robin Sassi, and Simone Kanter & Graeme Gabriel
Post-trip chairs: Shari & Fredrick Schenk and Gregory Feldman