Welcome to the March 2026 edition of “Points of Pride,” an exclusive update for you!

Welcome to the March 2026 edition of “Points of Pride,” an inside look at Jewish Federation of San Diego’s latest accomplishments and initiatives made possible by your support. From community-building efforts to impactful programs, these highlights reflect the power of our collective contributions.

Together We Danced – FED360: All in

In February, more than 740 community members gathered at the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center for FED360 2026: All in, an evening of unity, resilience, and shared purpose. Ziv and Gali Berman took the stage for their first U.S. public appearance, sharing their story of survival and brotherhood with a captivated audience. Attendance grew more than 34% year over year, reflecting a surge of energy and commitment across Jewish San Diego. From long-time donors to first-time attendees, the room reflected the breadth of our community. FED360 has become more than an annual gathering. It is a defining moment for collective investment in the future of Jewish life in our region, and this year’s turnout made clear that the momentum is only growing. For more photos from this memorable night, click here.

From Israel to India: San Diegans Making an Impact Abroad

This spring, Federation’s immersive travel programs brought San Diego community members across the globe:

In February, 25 community members traveled to Israel through a partnership with Birthright Israel Volunteer and Israel Outdoors and spent a week volunteering in Sha’ar HaNegev, San Diego’s sister region, where rebuilding from October 7 continues. Participants supported local agriculture, food recovery, and the restoration of shared spaces across the kibbutzim. As participant Shani Avshalomov reflected, “People paused their own lives to stand beside a community that feels like family.” Both delegations returned home with deeper connections, broader perspectives, and a strengthened resolve to lead. To learn more about this trip, visit our blog. 

Later in the season, 24 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. There, 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. 

She Roars: Lion of Judah Luncheon 2026

More than 100 women gathered for Federation’s Lion of Judah Luncheon, reflecting the strength and momentum of women’s philanthropy in our community. The morning was filled with laughter, connection, genuine fun, and meaningful moments together. Guest speaker Jackie Tohn from Nobody Wants This shared her perspective on Jewish identity and culture, what it means to portray a Jewish woman on television, and her sense of hope for the future. Her remarks, paired with the energy in the room, underscored the leadership of Lion of Judah women and their essential role in sustaining and strengthening Jewish life. To view photos from the event, click here.

Standing Up, Speaking Out: IHRA Adopted in San Diego

Jewish Federation of San Diego is proud to join our partner organizations in The Finest Community Coalition in welcoming last week’s vote by San Diego City Council to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism (view the Coalition’s statement here). We join Coalition members in applauding this important step and in thanking Councilmembers  LaCava, Moreno, Von Wilpert, Foster, Campillo, Whitburn, Campbell and Lee for passing the resolution, and Mayor Todd Gloria for his strong support. We also thank our community partners and the members of our community who joined us to back the resolution, attend the 6-hour meeting, spoke in favor, or wrote in to make sure councilmembers voted for the resolution. Read our full statement here.

Michael Rabkin Selected for National Fundraising Leadership Program

Chief Development Officer Michael Rabkin has been selected for the 2026 cohort of Jewish Federations of North America’s Leadership in Fundraising Program. Only 30 senior professionals are chosen nationwide. Nominated by Federation leadership, participants are recognized for their vision, innovation, and ability to drive results. Through intensive learning with experts from the Fundraising School at Indiana University, the program strengthens strategic fundraising efforts, enhances team leadership, and supports long-term sustainability as Federation continues to meet the needs of our community. For more information on this program, read our press release here.  

Leadership Programs Expand Opportunities for Emerging and Established Leaders

Federation’s leadership programs continue to grow, offering opportunities to develop the next generation of Jewish communal leaders in San Diego. The Spring 2026 cohort of LEADS (Leadership, Education, and Discovery Series) is now underway, engaging young professionals in exploring leadership, community, and the challenges facing Jewish life today. The cohort will meet from March through June. To learn more or be part of the next cohort, click here.  

Federation also recently launched Leadership Circle, a new initiative bringing together alumni of Federation leadership programs, board and philanthropic leaders, and engaged community members navigating complex questions of leadership, values, and impact. The inaugural session, “Pluralism & Leadership,” led by Rabbi Phil Graubart, explored how Jewish tradition approaches disagreement and what that teaches about leading in a diverse and evolving community. Stay tuned for future updates. To get involved with Federation’s leadership programs, visit our website.  

Building Safer Schools Across San Diego County

Federation and ADL San Diego brought together administrators from 11 school districts, including San Diego Unified and the San Diego County Office of Education, for the 2026 Education Leaders Summit. The day equipped district leaders with strategies to implement AB 715, California’s landmark antisemitism legislation, and addressed how artificial intelligence is being used to spread hate and misinformation among students. Participants learned about Spark Interactive, the flagship program of the Legacy of Light Goldberg Institute for Holocaust Education, powered by Federation, and how it will bring Holocaust education directly to schools through mobile, immersive experiences featuring digital artifacts, interactive technology, and guided facilitation. They also heard a live Student to Student presentation featuring San Diego Jewish teens sharing their lived experiences. The Summit reflected a growing regional commitment to eradicating bias and creating environments where Jewish students and families feel they belong. For more photos from the 2026 Educators Conference, click here.