Federation Missions & Immersive Experiences

In February, twenty-four of our most committed philanthropic leaders embarked on Jews of the Raj, a 12-day Major Donor Mission spanning Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi, Kochi, and Mumbai. Along the way, they explored India’s 2,000-year Jewish story, met with Israeli and American diplomats, and saw firsthand how Federation dollars sustain Jewish life through the work of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). To learn more about their journey, visit our blog.

In February, 25 San Diego community members traveled to Israel to volunteer in Sha’ar HaNegev, supporting recovery efforts following October 7. Through hands-on work, meaningful conversations, and deep connection with residents, participants helped strengthen rebuilding efforts while reinforcing the enduring partnership between our communities. The experience left volunteers inspired, proud, and more deeply connected to Israel and the global Jewish community. Read more about their journey and reflections here.

In December 2025, twelve young adults from San Diego traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina with Jewish Federation of San Diego, in partnership with JDC Entwine. The week offered space for connection, reflection, and discovery across generations and communities. For many participants, the experience reshaped how they see Jewish life, both globally and at home. This journey transformed their relationship with Judaism in ways we never expected. The trip offered a broader view of global Jewish peoplehood and responsibility. To learn more about their journey, please read their reflections.

In November 2025, the Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Institute cohort traveled to Mexico City. A dynamic cohort of women for a powerful journey of sisterhood, cultural discovery, and leadership growth. Through meaningful encounters with Jewish community leaders, shared Shabbat experiences, and creative exploration, participants built deep connections and returned inspired to strengthen Jewish life in San Diego. Read the full blog to discover how this transformative experience is shaping the next generation of women leaders.

In November 2025, members of San Diego’s Giborim cohort traveled to Israel to deepen the Federation’s partnership with Sha’ar HaNegev and connect with their Winds of Change counterparts. Through powerful conversations, shared experiences, and firsthand exposure to the strength and resilience of the region, participants strengthened meaningful peer relationships and their commitment to global Jewish peoplehood. Read the full blog to learn how this experience is shaping emerging leaders and reinforcing the enduring bond between our communities

From November 6-16, 2025, seven couples from San Diego explored Israel through a meaningful lens with Honeymoon Israel (HMI). This particular trip brought together couples whose plans were postponed in summer 2025, as well as new couples eager to experience Israel. HMI designs immersive experiences in Israel for locally based cohorts of couples who are early in their committed relationship and have at least one Jewish partner. The goal is to create a welcoming community of couples who are building families with meaningful connections to Jewish life and the Jewish people. Rather than defining a singular path to Jewish life, HMI supports couples in integrating Jewish values and traditions into their homes in ways that are personally significant.

In early November 2025, Jewish Federation of San Diego led a Men’s Mission to Cuba to better understand that history and to see what Jewish life looks like there today. What they encountered was a Jewish community shaped by deep roots, economic hardship, and a strong sense of identity. The Cuba Men’s Mission offered more than a chance to learn about Jewish history and life on the island. It created space for shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and connections that extended beyond borders. Participants returned with a deeper understanding of Jewish peoplehood, and a stronger connection to one another and to the global Jewish community.

Jewish Federation of San Diego’s Israel Unfiltered teen mission is giving local teens a rare opportunity to experience Jewish life across Europe through immersive travel, reflection, and connection. From celebrating Shabbat in new cities to engaging with diverse Jewish communities and history where it unfolded, participants are discovering the many expressions of Jewish identity around the world. Read more to see how this transformative Federation experience is strengthening Jewish pride, global perspective, and connection for the next generation.

July 2025 — Against the backdrop of Mexico City’s vibrant streets, ancient history, and welcoming community, a group of San Diego teens embarked on a journey that brought global Jewish connections into focus. Through Jewish Federation of San Diego’s Global Ambassador Program (GAP), they spent a week discovering Mexico City’s Jewish life through exploration, education, and cultural connection. Through immersive activities and close interaction with local peers, the teens experienced daily life in one of Latin America’s most dynamic Jewish communities. From visiting various Jewish institutions to sharing meals and conversations throughout the week, every moment helped deepen their sense of belonging to each other and to the global Jewish story. Read the full blog to see how GAP is empowering the next generation of Jewish leaders.

As part of Jewish Federation of San Diego’s commitment to global Jewish partnership, members of our National Young Leadership Cabinet joined a U.S. and Canadian delegation to Baku, Azerbaijan, to experience Jewish life in this unique majority Muslim country. The mission highlighted powerful stories of coexistence, resilience, and tradition through visits with local elders, students, and community leaders, while also offering insight into the strategic relationships that strengthen Jewish communities worldwide. Read the full blog to learn more about this meaningful Federation mission and its impact on our community’s global engagement.

Spring of 2025, Jewish Federation of San Diego led a delegation of 44 community members to Poland for the International March of the Living, commemorating 80 years since the liberation of the concentration camps and the end of the Shoah. Participants included children of Holocaust survivors, community leaders, and allies who gathered to honor those we lost and stand together in remembrance. Read the full reflection from Mission Co-Chair Sonia Israel to learn how this powerful experience is strengthening our commitment to memory, resilience, and Jewish continuity.

In February 2025, participants from Federation’s fourth cohort of the Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Institute traveled to Mexico City, immersing themselves in a vibrant blend of history, culture, and leadership. A highlight was their meeting with the founders of WomPower, a group dedicated to empowering female leaders. They explored breathtaking synagogues, historic castles, and the Centro Deportivo Israelita  – the city’s Jewish cultural and community hub. Inspired by the artistry and resilience of Frida Kahlo, the women reflected on self-expression and perseverance in leadership. Together, they strengthened their bonds and returned home with a renewed commitment to making an impact.

In January 2025, San Diego’s Lions of Judah embarked on a transformative journey through the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, visiting Montgomery, Birmingham, and Selma. Walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge and meeting individuals who stood alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., they heard firsthand accounts of resilience, hope, and the ongoing fight for equality. This powerful experience reinforced their commitment to justice, Jewish values, and building a future rooted in strength and unity.

In November 2024, Jewish Federation of San Diego led 17 young adults on an immersive mission to Italy through our partnership with JDC Entwine, exploring Jewish life in Florence and Rome. Participants engaged with local Jewish leaders and institutions, experienced Shabbat in historic communities, and reflected on themes of intention, mutual responsibility, and action. Read the full blog to learn more about this meaningful Federation mission and how it strengthened global Jewish connection and young adult leadership.

In a deeply meaningful visit to Los Angeles in September 2024, our Federation brought together members of our community and local Jewish leaders to experience the NOVA Exhibition. This powerful exhibit paid tribute to the tragic events of October 7th. Through immersive displays and multimedia storytelling, participants were given a window into the lives that were forever changed by that day. The experience became even more personal as the group had the rare opportunity to hear firsthand testimony from a survivor. Following the exhibit, participants visited Jewish Federation of Los Angeles for an exclusive luncheon with the Israeli Consul General, who provided invaluable insights on Israel’s current challenges and the evolving geopolitical landscape.

In May 2024, a group of women embarked on a transformative mission to Cuba, blending cultural exploration with philanthropy. Participants connected with the local Jewish community, gaining insight into their resilience, challenges, and traditions while also making a direct impact. They arrived with donations for a local preschool, ballet shoes for an entire dance company, and medical supplies to restock the Jewish pharmacy, ensuring access to essential healthcare. Through these acts of generosity, participants deepened their connection to the community and witnessed firsthand the impact of Federation’s global support. Learn more about their incredible journey here.

In April 2024, Federation led our second Solidarity Mission to Israel, standing shoulder to shoulder with our partners and community during a time of profound challenge and resilience. Participants met with families directly impacted by October 7, visited communities in the South, connected with local leaders and changemakers, and witnessed firsthand how Federation-supported programs are providing critical relief, recovery, and hope. More than a mission, it was a powerful expression of shared responsibility, unity, and unwavering commitment to Israel and the Jewish people. Learn more about these experiences here.

In February 2024, a group of 30 travelers from San Diego immersed themselves in the dynamic energy of Mexico City, where ancient cultures and a rich Jewish heritage intersect. Together, they explored historic synagogues, traced the footsteps of the Aztec Empire, and indulged in the city’s world-renowned cuisine. This journey was a celebration of tradition, history, and the resilience of global Jewish communities.

In November 2023, over 120 San Diegans traveled to Washington, D.C. to join the largest pro-Israel gathering in history. Alongside 290,000 people from across the country, they stood in solidarity with Israel, condemned the alarming rise in antisemitism, and demanded the immediate release of hostages taken during the October 7th terrorist attacks.

Following the tragic events of October 7, 2023, Federation led two powerful Solidarity Missions to Israel. Participants – including Federation staff, board members, major donors, local clergy and other Jewish agency professionals – met with Survivors and first responders and witnessed firsthand the devastation that occurred. Through personal stories and direct encounters, they gained a deeper understanding of the tragedy, and the resilience needed to rebuild our beloved sister city, Sha’ar HaNegev. Learn more about these experiences here.

In May 2023, more than 220 San Diegans embarked on an unforgettable journey through Israel, from the ancient streets of Jerusalem to the modern vibrancy of Tel Aviv, traveling from the South to the North. A highlight of the experience was the time spent with families in our partner region, Sha’ar HaNegev, forging meaningful connections that transcend borders. Beyond shared meals, remarkable experiences, and lasting friendships, participants engaged with Federation’s partner agencies, gaining firsthand insight into the critical work we support in Israel. This extraordinary journey deepened communal bonds in ways never before experienced, and we look forward to offering this incredible experience again in May 2027!