La Jolla summit addresses rise in local antisemitism linked to global tensions

Community leaders say conflicts abroad are fueling security concerns at Jewish institutions in San Diego.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:42pm

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Community leaders and residents gathered in La Jolla, California for a summit addressing the rise of antisemitism in San Diego, which organizers say is being fueled by global conflicts in the Middle East. The American Jewish Committee of San Diego hosted the event, drawing about 350 attendees to focus on education, awareness, and community response to the issue.

Why it matters

Tensions abroad are increasingly being felt at home, prompting heightened security measures at Jewish institutions in San Diego. Organizers say antisemitism tends to rise during periods of political tension and unrest in the Middle East, which is contributing to the current concerns.

The details

The summit featured speakers who discussed how the ongoing conflict involving Iran is a contributing factor to the rise in local antisemitism. An Iranian activist who attended the event expressed hope that the ceasefire would not silence the voices of the Iranian people. Both speakers emphasized a desire for long-term stability in the region and expressed support for U.S. involvement in finding a lasting solution.

  • The American Jewish Committee of San Diego hosted its third annual 'Standing Together Against Antisemitism' event on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

The players

American Jewish Committee of San Diego

A local organization that hosted the summit addressing antisemitism in San Diego.

Sara Brown

The regional director of the American Jewish Committee, who spoke about the heightened security measures and costs that Jewish institutions in San Diego have had to take on due to the rise in antisemitism.

Peymaneh Khodayari

An Iranian activist who attended the summit and expressed hope that the ceasefire would not silence the voices of the Iranian people.

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What they’re saying

“If you go to a Jewish institution, there are layers of security because, and not out of a paranoia, out of a real understanding, a real fear.”

— Sara Brown, Regional Director, American Jewish Committee

“Hopefully this ceasefire is not cutting the Iranian voice because we were just very close to get the all the words were listening to Iranian people.”

— Peymaneh Khodayari, Iranian Activist

“We want to see a free and thriving Middle East, and we know that Iran is that focal point for so much instability, terror, violence across the entire community. So we want to be partners in that. We've been very grateful to the United States for decisive action, and we're hopeful that that we can come to negotiate are going to have to hold firm, but we are hopeful that we can get to a lasting solution.”

— Sara Brown, Regional Director, American Jewish Committee

What’s next

Organizers said the summit's goal is not only to address current concerns but also to build broader community understanding and resilience in the face of rising antisemitism.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing impact that global conflicts and tensions can have on local communities, leading to heightened security concerns and a need for greater education, awareness, and community response to address the rise in antisemitism.