SAN DIEGO, CA (April 24, 2025) — In response to rising antisemitism nationally and locally leading to increased safety concerns and divisiveness, a consortium of Jewish organizations and leaders across San Diego has formed a coalition to combat antisemitism together for a better San Diego. Embracing San Diego’s moniker as “America’s Finest City,” The Finest Community Coalition is an independent community initiative that will serve as a collaborative platform to coordinate strategies, share best practices, map existing efforts and fill gaps, and respond collectively when appropriate to rising antisemitism. With this unified approach, the coalition strives to ensure that San Diego remains a place where its Jewish community can feel safe, secure, and proud to be Jewish.

“Antisemitism is more than just an attack on Jewish individuals and community members — it’s a warning sign of deeper divisions in our society,” said Heidi Gantwerk, president and CEO of Jewish Federation of San Diego. “The coalition isn’t only about addressing hate; it’s about building relationships, fostering hard but necessary conversations, and building a San Diego that is stronger, more connected and united against division.”

In the wake of the brutal Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and the subsequent conflict, Jewish communities worldwide have witnessed an alarming rise in antisemitism, marked by heightened hatred and violence — and San Diego is no exception. That year, the region saw a staggering 200% increase in antisemitic incidents, with 108 cases of assault, vandalism and harassment reported, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) San Diego.

Locally, these incidents ranged from targeted assaults on Jewish people and bomb threats against Jewish institutions — which saw a dramatic 700% increase in 2023 — to the distribution of antisemitic flyers and vandalism, including swastikas found on private property, in public areas and schools.

“San Diego is our home, and I want to do everything in my power to ensure that it remains a place where my children — and all Jewish children — will feel safe, secure, and proud of who they are,” said Adam Maslia, the newly appointed director of The Finest Community Coalition. “These concerns are not theoretical for me; they are deeply personal and reflect the reality we are living in. Antisemitism has deep historical roots, and while its forms may evolve, its impact remains undeniable.”  

The coalition engages nearly two dozen partner organizations — such as Jewish Federation of San Diego, Leichtag Foundation, Lawrence Family JCC, the Jewish Community Foundation, ADL San Diego and American Jewish Committee — along with respected senior community leaders from diverse backgrounds in the common mission of confronting hate head-on.

The coalition also acknowledges the importance of having non-Jewish allies, recognizing that harm directed at the Jewish community often evolves into broader expressions of hate that undermine the entire community. The coalition is eager to recruit and engage concerned non-Jewish partners to strengthen and unite the San Diego community’s response to antisemitism.

“Antisemitism is not just a Jewish issue, it’s a San Diego issue,” said Rabbi Jason Nevarez, a founding member of the coalition. “When any group is targeted with hate or discrimination, it’s a threat to all of us. We know transformational change is possible when we are brave enough to ‘call out’ hate and mindful enough to ‘call in’ allies to engage an active, supportive and safe community. We sincerely welcome all San Diegans to join us in this effort.”

Fourteen respected community leaders will serve on an advisory board to guide the coalition’s strategies and activities. The advisory board includes: Rick Barton (chair), Franklin Gaylis, Bob Lapidus, David Michan, Rabbi Jason Nevarez, Miriam Norten, Jared Sclar, Jane Scher, Larry Sherman, Mitch Siegler, Alan Viterbi, David Bark and David Wax. 

The new organization will be housed at Jewish Federation of San Diego and professionally led by a full-time director working in close partnership with the executive leaders of Jewish Federation, Leichtag Foundation, and Lawrence Family JCC. The Coalition works in close consultation and coordination with the lead antisemitism-focused organizations in San Diego as convened by Federation’s Antisemitism Roundtable.

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About The Finest Community Coalition
Embracing San Diego’s moniker as America’s Finest City, The Finest Community Coalition is an independent initiative that takes a community-wide approach to combat antisemitism together for a better San Diego. The coalition serves as a collaborative platform for Jewish and non-Jewish organizations and leaders to coordinate strategies, share best practices, map existing efforts and fill gaps, and respond collectively when appropriate to rising antisemitism. The coalition is dedicated to ensuring that San Diego remains a place where its Jewish population can be safe, secure, and proud to be Jewish. More at www.finestcommunitySD.org.