This year’s Men’s Event welcomed close to 600 gentlemen at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines. The largest gathering of men in San Diego listened to inspiring stories of survival and resiliency. From inspirational speaker Ethan Zohn, winner of Survivor: Africa in 2002 and cancer survivor, to Sha’ar HaNegev resident Yael who shared harrowing stories from the Gaza border, to the acknowledgment of local Holocaust survivors who serve as our heroes and teachers, but who are also in dire need, to Federation’s new CEO, Michael Jeser whose own Jewish journey inspires him daily.

The audience was moved by Zohn’s personal and professional story. Using his own story as platform to do good, as well as his deep connection to Judaism, Ethan shared how he lives a life based on Jewish values. His inspiration to help heal the world stems from being taught at an early age the importance of community, a connection to the Jewish faith and the preservation of Israel. He eloquently characterized the Federation as the only entity with the mission and positioning to ensure a strong a vibrant Jewish future, both here in the US, in Israel and around the world.  

The evening introduced Federation’s newest initiative, the Holocaust Survivor Coalition. This collaboration with Jewish Family Service, the Jewish Community Foundation and many others will address the emerging and dynamic needs of San Diego’s Holocaust survivors, including diminishing financial resources, and social isolation. Contact us at SurvivorsNOW@jewishfederationsandiego.org to get involved and to learn more.  

Critical needs like this inspire the work of Federation every day. We Help Jews in Need and We Build Community. We foster a sense of Jewish pride and peoplehood.  It’s That Simple!

Profound thanks go to the event’s underwriters, Jean and Gary Shekhter, and to our corporate sponsors and community partners, table captains, and premium table sponsors for their support. Special thanks also go to Morgan Stanley for their ongoing support of this event.   It was wonderful to celebrate the important work we’ve accomplished together. You make it all possible.