We Will Not Let the Light Go Out

Dear friends, 

If you read my e-mails regularly, you know that I always lean towards light, even when we are called upon far too frequently to fight the darkness and focus on the safety of the Jewish people. Today, I had hoped to write a simple Chanukah message sharing joy and points of light. However, nothing about today is simple, and instead, our hearts break for those murdered and injured in the terrible antisemitic terrorist attack at a popular Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney.  Photos of a bloodied tallit, of people being rushed out on gurneys, and of families fleeing the beach when, just minutes before, they were eating sufganiyot and dancing in community, have left us shaken and angry. 

I say once again: Jews around the world, and right here in San Diego, have the absolute right to feel safe and to be safe. We should not have to hide our joy, move our celebrations indoors, or “tone it down” to avoid attracting any unwanted attention.  

However, we can – and should – take precautions to keep ourselves safe. The Secure Community Network and Jewish Federations of North America have released clear and critical security protocols for events that we should all read and follow. And then, we should absolutely show up! 

I am deeply grateful for the swift and unequivocal support from our city leaders and law enforcement partners. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl personally reached out to me this morning to express his condolences and to assure our community that the San Diego Police Department is increasing patrols, authorizing overtime and stepping up in multiple ways to ensure that we can celebrate proudly and publicly this Chanukah. I asked the Chief how our community can help the SDPD protect us, and he reiterated the need for constant vigilance and information sharing. Most importantly, the Chief told me that “We are all in this together. We want everyone to be fully able to celebrate our blessings this holiday season, and no one should stay home out of fear.” The official SDPD statement can be found here. 

San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez also reached out to express her horror and assured me that the Sheriff’s Department is stepping up its vigilance and is fully supportive of our community. The department’s statement can be found here. 

Our Community Security Director, Bill Ganley, has been working closely with law enforcement to alert them to all upcoming Chanukah events we are aware of. We ask you to share information about any newly scheduled events, and if you see or hear anything concerning.  

And Mayor Todd Gloria strongly condemned the attack, reaffirmed the city’s commitment to our safety, and expressed his strong support of our community in his statement today.  

After these conversations, I joined the community at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center | JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS for Hannukah Happening, where I had the heartwarming and healing opportunity to read Hoppy Hanukkah to an adorable and highly excited group of preschoolers at the JCC’s Shalom Baby 25th Anniversary Bash. My soul got a little lighter seeing hundreds of people and so many children spinning dreidels, painting menorahs on their faces, eating latkes and sufganiyot, and singing Chanukah songs I sang as a child, and some I learned just today.  

One song that I sing every year, by Peter Yarrow z’l, hits just a little harder as we kindle the lights of the menorah for this first night of Chanukah. 

Light One Candle 

What is the memory that’s valued so highly 
that we keep alive in that flame. 
What’s the commitment to those who have died 
when we cry out “They’ve not died in vain.” 
We have come this far always believing 
that justice will somehow prevail. 
This is the burden and this is the promise 
and this is why we will not fail. 

Don’t let the light go out. It’s lasted for so many years. 

Don’t let the light go out, let it shine through our love and our tears. 

We will not fail. Together, we will keep that light burning bright. Beginning tonight.  

From my home to yours, wishing you a Chanukah filled with peace, strength, and enduring light.  

Heidi Gantwerk, President & CEO 

Jewish Federation of San Diego 

P.S. Many people ask how they can respond in moments like this. One meaningful way is by supporting the work that keeps our San Diego Jewish community safe and connected. Gifts to Jewish Federation of San Diego help sustain security coordination, training, and preparedness so we can continue to gather and celebrate without fear. Donate now.