Note for Media: To maintain safety and dignity, the JFS campus is closed to media during these food distributions. If you are interested in doing

Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) is assisting families with loved ones who were victims of violent crime or domestic violence as part of the new Dr. Ben Harouni’s Hope and Healing Fund. The fund, created in honor of Dr. Ben Harouni, a young dentist murdered in his El Cajon office in February 2024, is powered by a nonprofit his friends and family started shortly after his death called Hearts Over Hate.

“Ben’s death rocked the very foundation of our family. For us, grief counseling was vital as we worked to come to terms with our unimaginable loss. We know that many do not have access to that level of support,” said Hilda Harouni, Ben Harouni’s mother.

Governor Gavin Newsom and the California legislature have allocated $14.5 million to California’s Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program (HSAP), helping to sustain essential services for more than 2,000 Holocaust survivors throughout the state. Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFSSD) alongside six other Jewish Family Service agencies statewide, the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC) and the Jewish Caucus advocated for the funding that will be distributed this fiscal year. Aging into their late 80s and 90s, Holocaust survivors are among the most vulnerable members of our community and are increasingly in need of support and care.

JFSSD, one of the region’s most impactful nonprofit organizations, announced today the appointment of Dana Toppel as Chief Executive Officer and Theresa Dupuis as chair of the board of directors.

San Diego is home to about 47,000 federal employees and more than 100,000 military personnel, reports NBC 7’s Jeanette Quezada. Jewish Family Service is now offering free groceries to federal employees and contractors who may be at risk of missing their next paycheck.

San Diego ya siente los efectos del cierre del Gobierno Federal, con miles de familias enfrentando la incertidumbre de no recibir sueldos. Organizaciones locales, como Jewish Family Service, han activado programas de ayuda alimentaria para apoyar a los empleados federales y sus familias.

San Diego nonprofits are preparing for the long haul as the government shutdown enters its sixth day. Jewish Family Service is now offering free groceries to federal employees and contractors who may be at risk of missing their next paycheck.
“We recognize this is a new set of folks that need assistance, so we’re here to support,” said Tom Stewart, VP of Strategic Integration from Jewish Family Service. Working in coalition with The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, Jewish Family Service is providing 40-pound bags filled with pantry staples and fresh produce. The bags will be available every Wednesday until the shutdown ends.

Dr. Bob Rubenstein and Marie Raftery have funded the Jewish Family Service David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship since 2008, awarding financial aid to over 160 Jewish students in San Diego County to support their educational and vocational goals. “For us, it is very satisfying to be able to do that. It’s an honor. I’m grateful for having the opportunity to do it.” said Marie Raftery.