By Miriam Raftery
October 7, 2023 (San Diego) – The San Diego Jewish Federation today announced that the attacks by Hamas on Israel including in Sha’ar HaNegev, San Diego’s sister city, has had “terrible consequences…Our dear friend, Mayor Ofir Libstein z”l’ was killed in a gun battle with Hamas terrorists early this morning.”
The SDJF has launched a fundraising drive to help families impactedin Sha’arHaNegev, and assures, “We are assessing the situation in partnership with the leadership of the municipality and will make sure all dollars donated go directly to the areas of greatest need.” You can learn more or donate at https://www.jewishinsandiego.org/.
The group will also hold a community vigil this Tuesday night at 7:00 on the field at the JCC, in memory of Ofir, and in support of Sha’ar HaNegev and of Israel.
A statement issued by Heidi Gantwerk and David Bark at SDJF says they are ”devastated by this loss” of our sister city's mayor, adding,” He was an extraordinary partner and friend to the two of us and to the San Diego Jewish community. He died bravely defending not just his family and his kibbutz, but also Israel and the Jewish people….We pray for their safety.”
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