One people, across every border.
Through travel, partnership, and giving, Jewish Federation of San Diego strengthens the bonds between our community and Jews everywhere, from Sha'ar HaNegev to Budapest to Mexico City. When one part of the Jewish people is in need, we show up. When one part thrives, we all grow stronger.
The Jewish people have never been defined by geography.
For thousands of years, Jewish life has been woven across continents, bound not by borders but by shared history, responsibility, and hope. Jewish Federation of San Diego exists to keep those bonds strong, connecting our community to Israel and to Jews worldwide through cultural exchange, education, and travel.
Our work in Israel and around the world is rooted in the people-to-people connections that bring our communities closer, no matter the distance.
By collaborating with trusted global partners, we protect the dignity and safety of at-risk Jewish populations, help emerging communities grow toward self-sufficiency, and send the next generation to experience the Jewish homeland firsthand. This is peoplehood in action: a promise that no Jewish community, anywhere, stands alone.
Our global partners
JDC (the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee) and The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) are Federation’s global partners. They carry out the work on the ground, and Federation works closely with them to meet the needs of Jewish communities in Israel and more than 70 countries around the globe.
Our Global Work
The programs and partnerships that connect San Diego to Israel and the worldwide Jewish community.
Standing with Israel
Since October 7, Federation has directed more than $9.3 million to Sha'ar HaNegev ($11.4M including the Rady Match), including the $1.75M Beit Melacha therapeutic arts center now underway. Follow our ongoing Israel response, updates, and stories.
Read our Israel work →
Adult Travel & Missions
This year Federation ran missions on four continents, including Cuba, India, Mexico City, and Sha'ar HaNegev. 100% of participants formed new friendships they intend to continue. The Community Trip 2027 is next.
Explore trips →
Teen Immersive Travel
Through Israel Unfiltered and partner programs, Federation underwrites travel to Israel for teens, inspiring the next generation to build lasting, personal connections to the Jewish homeland.
Learn about teen travel →
Sha'ar HaNegev Partnership
San Diego's partnership, in place since 1998, runs at every level. This year's direct grants totaled roughly $520,000 across 12 programs, and Giborim's inaugural cohort paired 14 San Diegans with 14 emerging Israeli leaders.
Learn more →
ShinShinim Young Emissaries
Nine ShinShinim, Israeli high school graduates in a year of service, were placed across 19 San Diego sites this year, including two from Sha'ar HaNegev, holding the program's first event with a non-Jewish congregation.
Meet Our ShinShinim →
The Gesher Project
Gesher means "bridge." Federation pairs San Diego's largest Jewish agencies with counterparts in Sha'ar HaNegev for people-to-people relationships. This year brought seven San Diego leaders to Israel to develop joint initiatives.
Travel with us
From first-time teens to seasoned community leaders, Federation opens the door to Israel and the Jewish world.
Federation Missions
Trips we plan and lead.
The Community Trip
Israel · For the whole community
The whole San Diego Jewish community travels to Israel together. Eight days across Tel Aviv, the North, Jerusalem, the Negev, and a full day with our partners in Sha'ar HaNegev.
Optional Budapest extension, May 26 to 30, 2027
Israel Unfiltered
Israel · For teens
Experience Israel up close and unscripted: real people, real conversations, and the places behind the headlines. Federation underwrites the trip so more San Diego teens can go.
Partnership Trips
Trips we join with partners.
Momentum to Israel
Israel · For Jewish moms
A transformative week in Israel for Jewish moms, with San Diego women and mothers from around the world, exploring Jewish identity, values, and connection.
Trip Stories
Blogs and photos from past trips.
Moments from past trips
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Our Global Partners
Beyond our relationship with Sha'ar HaNegev, in place since 1998, Federation partners with Jewish communities worldwide to meet evolving needs, support local organizations, and build vibrant Jewish life together.
Budapest
Home to one of Europe's largest and most historic Jewish communities, Budapest is a center of Jewish revival. In partnership with our global organizations, Federation supports the institutions carrying Hungarian Jewish life into its next chapter.
- Jewish education and youth programming
- Care for elderly and vulnerable community members
- Cultural and communal revitalization
Mexico City
A vibrant, close-knit Jewish community and a Federation mission destination this year. Our partnership deepens people-to-people ties between San Diego and Mexico City and supports shared cultural and communal initiatives. San Diego is home to the largest population of Mexican Jews outside of Mexico City itself.
- Cultural exchange and mission travel
- People-to-people leadership connections
- Support for communal programs and institutions
How will you connect?
Teen travel to Israel
Federation underwrites immersive travel to Israel for teens through Israel Unfiltered and partner programs.
Learn about teen travel →Come to a Federation event
Come together with the community for signature celebrations, meaningful commemorations, and inspiring experiences throughout the year.
Explore →Find more ways in
Women’s Philanthropy, Young Adults, Leadership Development, Youth & Teen and more.
Get Involved →Latest from Israel
The newest updates from Israel, pulled from our blog.
One people, wherever we are.
Your gift keeps San Diego connected to Israel, protects at-risk Jewish communities worldwide, and sends the next generation to discover the Jewish homeland for themselves. That is peoplehood, and it is worth protecting.
