What It Means to Be
"The Finest"
Our Coalition includes synagogues, service providers, advocacy groups, cultural institutions and grassroots organizations. We speak with one voice when we say:
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Antisemitism — no matter its source or disguise — must be named and confronted.
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Jewish diversity and pluralism are strengths, but must not be weaponized to legitimize extremism.
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Israel’s existence is non-negotiable.
We call on our fellow San Diegans, including civic leaders, educators, faith communities and neighbors, to join us in building a more inclusive, informed, and united community that affirms the right of Jewish people to be safe, secure and proud to live publicly Jewish lives.
Together, let us build a future worthy of our city’s name by being a truly fine community that protects and uplifts all who call it home.
What We Believe
Jewish Community Consensus
The Finest Community Coalition represents the broad and diverse Jewish community of San Diego. We believe in unity, not uniformity. The Coalition affirms our shared values and rejects harmful misrepresentations of Jewish identity and belief. As residents of America’s Finest City, we are committed to building a community that reflects its name — not only in beauty and innovation, but in moral clarity, mutual respect and courage in the face of hate.
At a time of rising antisemitism and division, we stand united in the conviction that Jewish people have the right to self-determination in our ancestral homeland, the State of Israel, and that the safety, dignity, and continuity of Jewish life must be protected everywhere, including here in San Diego.
The Finest Community Coalition represents the broad and diverse Jewish community of San Diego. We believe in unity, not uniformity. The Coalition affirms our shared values and rejects harmful misrepresentations of Jewish identity and belief. As residents of America’s Finest City, we are committed to building a community that reflects its name — not only in beauty and innovation, but in moral clarity, mutual respect and courage in the face of hate.
At a time of rising antisemitism and division, we stand united in the conviction that Jewish people have the right to self-determination in our ancestral homeland, the State of Israel, and that the safety, dignity, and continuity of Jewish life must be protected everywhere, including here in San Diego.
What We Believe Locally
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The 2022 San Diego Jewish Community Study shows that 91% of Jewish San Diegans agree that Israel should exist as a refuge for the Jewish people, now and in the future.
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Additionally, according to the same study a broad cross-section of our local Jewish community — across political, religious and cultural lines — recognizes the growing threat of antisemitism and the need to confront it collectively.
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According to a May 2025 California Against Hate PAC Poll, 71.8% of California voters agree that Israel has the right to exist and defend itself — a core tenet of Zionism,
Rejecting Misrepresentation from Fringe Groups
In this context, we feel compelled to address the actions of radical groups, such as Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), which claim to speak on behalf of the Jewish community while promoting views and tactics that are profoundly out of step with Jewish values, community data and public conscience.
JVP:
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Opposes the existence of Israel as a Jewish state — a position rejected by the overwhelming majority of Jews and Americans.
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Dismisses the reality of antisemitism, even as Jewish communities face mounting threats.
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Aligns with and defends extremist actors, who have justified or celebrated violence against Jews and Israelis.
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Presents itself as a mainstream Jewish voice, despite actively promoting ideologies and tactics that threaten Jewish safety and community cohesion.
In stark contrast to JVP, recent polling reveals that Jewish Americans overwhelmingly:
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Reject anti-Zionists
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Find many of the tactics used by JVP to be unacceptable
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Express staunch support for Jewish Zionist organizations
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Hold strong views on the relationship between anti-Zionist movements and worsening antisemitism
Resources and Research From Trusted Organizations: