Communities of Faith & Religious Institutions Respond to Vladimir Putin's Invasion of Ukraine and the Ensuing Humanitarian Crisis
The Interfaith Center at the Presidio has condemned in the strongest terms the barbaric Russian invasion of Ukraine. It is nothing less than a replay of the 1930s in Europe and the run-up to WW2. The wanton bloodshed of the innocent, the massive destruction of a homeland, and the creation of the greatest refugee crisis in one hundred years cries out to the heavens and to all humanity. Another Pharaoh has arisen and another Passover is required – we pray – with Divine assistance. “The whole world is watching” – and, thankfully, responding in uncommon unison. We call upon all men and women of goodwill here in the Bay Area to sacrifice whatever it takes on behalf of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters by fully supporting relief efforts in every way possible.
Rita Semel's 100th Birthday
Our founder, Rita Semel, turned 100 on November 15th. The Interfaith Center at the Presidio Board of Directors honored her with an Interfaith Service in the historic Presidio Chapel, on Thursday, November 18th. The Keynote Speaker was the Rt. Rev. William E. Swing, Founder and President, United Religions Initiative, Seventh Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California (Ret.) Also present were Faith leaders, public officials, family, and friends. Rita Semel's mantra is the Hebrew "Tikkun Olam" (Repairing the World), a reflection of her Jewish Faith. Her life and work are living proof of those famous words uttered by Margaret Meade sixty years ago, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has". What is most astonishing is that Rita, at 100, is still at work in the vineyard! She is, without question, the best of us.
A Short List of Rita's Faith, Interfaith & Humanitarian Work and Honors
A Short List of Rita's Faith, Interfaith & Humanitarian Work and Honors
- First Associate Editor, Jewish Community Bulletin
- Public Relations – America-Israel Cultural Foundation, Israeli Consulate, and March of Dimes
- San Francisco Conference on Religion and Race
- Associate Director and Executive Director, Jewish Community Relations Council
- Founder, Interfaith Center at the Presidio, Member of the Board and Treasurer
- Founder and Board Chair, San Francisco Interfaith Council
- First Chair, Global Council for the United Religions Initiative
- Catholic Charities CYO, Member of the Board
- Family Services America, Member of the Board
- San Francisco Resource and Leadership Council, Member of the Board
- Friends of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, Member of the Board
- Jewish Family and Children’s Services, Member of the Board
- San Francisco Children’s Rights Coalition, Member of the Board
- San Francisco Family Service Agency, Member of the Board
- San Francisco Homelessness Board, Member of the Board
- Intergroup Clearinghouse, Member of the Board
- Board of Trustees, Graduate Theological Union
- Honored by Islamic Society of San Francisco, Bay Area Cultural Connections, and United Muslims of America
- Honored by the California State Assembly, Woman of the Year 13th District
- United Way’s Mortimer Fleishacker Jr. Volunteer Award
- National Council of Jewish Women’s Hanna G. Solomon Award
- Women in Community Service Rosa Parks Award
- Delegate to the fourth United Nations World Conference on Women in China
- Honored by Islamic Society of San Francisco
- San Francisco Foundations’ Community Leadership Award
- Honored by Catholic Charities CYO Loaves and Fishes Gala
- Clinic by The Bay, Member of the Board
- Congregation Emanu-El, Member of the Board
- Grace Cathedral, Member of the Board
- In-Home Health Service Public Authority, Member of the Board
- Commissioner, Human Services Agency Human Services Commission, City & County of San Francisco
We support the San Francisco Interfaith Council's statement against the rise in anti-Semitic attacks. Read their full statement below, or click here to share.