Giborim: Strengthening Bonds Between San Diego and Sha’ar HaNegev 

Sixteen young adults from Sha’ar HaNegev, San Diego’s partner region in Israel, spent the past week deepening bonds with local participants in Jewish Federation of San Diego’s Giborim leadership program, a dynamic initiative created in partnership with Leichtag Foundation. Their visit was part of an exchange with Winds of Change, a leadership program in Sha’ar HaNegev.   

For returning Israeli participant Liat Hagbi, the trip was as personal as it was purposeful. 

“It’s always good to be here again. The feeling of San Diego for Sha’ar HaNegev is that it’s home. It’s very intense back in Israel, and the hugs we got and the processing we’ve been able to do here is amazing…This connection is for life. I can say that I have a group of friends in San Diego. I believe in this group and the things that will come from it. These are the next leaders and generation on both sides.” 

San Diego’s Giborim program unites young professionals from 12 Jewish organizations across the region, fostering cross-institutional collaboration, personal growth, and enduring relationships with their Israeli counterparts in Winds of Change. In Hebrew, Giborim means “heroes” or “mighty ones,” a fitting name for a program that empowers young Jewish leaders to strengthen their communities and build lasting global connections.  

Winds of Change staff member and returning participant Yuval Amir shared how this exchange came to life: 

“Last year was a different kind of delegation. We were in a different place in Sha’ar HaNegev and most of us were still evacuated. We spoke with Heidi, Moy, and Darren at Federation about what we needed and wanted, and this program [Giborim] began because of that conversation. We wanted counterparts, and a group like this that would help develop us as individuals and create leaders, thinkers, and entrepreneurs. We now have a group of amazing people, the best of the best, each one of them.” 

This visit marked the first time the two cohorts had been together in person. Their days were filled with meaningful engagement: panel discussion with Jewish leaders, volunteer projects, and conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing both regions. They also embraced the beauty of San Diego with hiking, sunset yoga, bike rides, beach bonfires, and shared meals that sparked deeper conversation.  

For Israeli participant Sapir Efraim, meeting the San Diego cohort gave new depth to the partnership: 

“These are real people who want to do good in their communities. Together, we have power, and we have partners across the globe.” 

The visit also had a profound effect on local participants. One San Diego member shared: 

“Lately, I’ve found it difficult to talk about Israel with friends and family, most of whom are not Jewish. But after this week, I feel like there’s been a shift. I can now share the stories, faces, and friendships I’ve discovered this past week.” 

By investing in emerging leaders and nurturing global relationships, Giborim is building a vibrant, resilient Jewish future. As these two cohorts return to their respective communities, they carry forward the momentum of this week, knowing their shared work is only just beginning. This November, San Diego’s Giborim program will travel to Israel to continue the exchange, deepen their understanding of Sha’ar HaNegev, and strengthen the lasting connection between our two communities.