06/05/2026
This past week, agency leaders from our sister region of Sha’ar HaNegev visited San Diego as part of the Gesher (“Bridge”) program, a five-year partnership that brings together professionals from both communities to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships.
During the visit, participants spent time with organizations across our community, including the Lawrence Family JCC, Jewish Family Service of San Diego, Leichtag Foundation, San Diego Jewish Academy, UC San Diego Hillel, and the Jewish Community Foundation.
Equally valuable were the conversations that happened outside of formal meetings, around Shabbat tables, over shared meals, and with host families who welcomed participants into their homes.
“We feel like we’ve been seen by so many partners that care about us,” shared Uri Pinto, CEO of the Sha’ar HaNegev Municipality. “We also saw such a strong community that can collaborate, and I think we’ve mostly been inspired.”
While the visit has come to an end, the relationships, ideas, and conversations sparked throughout the week will continue to strengthen the connection between San Diego and Sha’ar HaNegev.
Read more about the visit here: https://hubs.la/Q04kkNLH0
