Opinion: After the terror attack on Jews in Boulder, will San Diego be next?

In her op-ed for Times of San Diego, Heidi Gantwerk, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego, reflects on the harrowing attack in Boulder, Colorado, where a Holocaust survivor and other Jews were targeted simply for their faith. Gantwerk draws a chilling connection between such acts of hate and the rising antisemitism felt across the country—including in San Diego.

“Horrified, devastated, saddened — we are running out of words to use when Jews are attacked.”

Gantwerk warns that San Diego is not immune, citing the 2019 Poway synagogue shooting as a tragic reminder. She also points to recent, deeply concerning trends in the community:

• San Diego Pride’s decision to feature Kehlani, an artist who has used violent rhetoric against Jews.

• The alarming rise of antisemitism at UC San Diego, which has been a hotbed of antisemitic activity and violent rhetoric.

Gantwerk emphasizes the importance of collective action in combating these threats, highlighting the launch of The Finest Community Coalition, a partnership of Jewish organizations in San Diego formed to respond to rising antisemitism:

“We also partnered with other Jewish organizations in the community recently to launch The Finest Community Coalition, so that we could respond collectively to rising antisemitism and ensure San Diego remains a place where Jews feel safe, secure and proud to be Jewish.”

Her call to action is clear and urgent:

“We must all stand together—Jews and allies alike—to ensure the safety and dignity of every community member.”

Read the full op-ed by Heidi Gantwerk here.