Dear Community,

During the High Holidays, we are inspired by the ancient teaching that we are all responsible for one another – whether near or far. We hope that you will begin the New Year with a commitment to our San Diego Jewish community and to the countless Jews around the world who depend on our help. 

Your generosity helps people like Valery and her grandmother, Valentina, who fled their home in Donetsk when anti-semitic violence broke out last spring. With nowhere else to go, they found refuge through an American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) Chesed program funded by Federation.

In the year 5774, your generosity is provided Valery and Valentina with critical food, warmth, and housing. In 5775, they want to pay it forward. In fact, Valery has already started volunteering – she now works with refugee children through the JDC.

Valery’s story is not unique.

The crisis in Ukraine has displaced thousands, forcing them to abandon their homes in search of safer shelter elsewhere. Federation-funded programs continue to provide food, medicine, and emotional support to families across the country. Remarkably, despite trying circumstances, an increasing number of young Jews are volunteering to deliver food and aid to elderly Jews in Ukraine, spending time with them, and letting them know they are not alone.

Locally, Federation’s NextGen team is motivating young Jewish leaders in San Diego to follow the same path of tzedakah. Our vision is to create a vibrant Jewish future where young adults work toward a greater purpose, and a better world.

The stronger we are as a local community, the better we can aid Jewish communities around the world – now, and for years to come.

Your gift to Federation is an investment in the future of Jews everywhere. We hope you'll start your year with this act of kindness.

Thank you for all that you do, and Shana Tova!