Confronting the Alarming Rise of Antisemitism in California

By Assemblymember Chris Ward

SACRAMENTO, California — Recently, I held my annual roundtable discussion with local Jewish community leaders in San Diego on their priorities and concerns heading into the new year. I always look forward to this discussion because it allows me a focused time to hear valuable feedback necessary to inform me of priority policy, fiscal, or district services work at our State Capitol. This year, one reality cast a heavy shadow over our conversation: the alarming resurgence and rise of antisemitism.

Just taking a casual glance at news headlines, public comment at meetings, and social media since October 7th provides plenty of evidence of the accelerated trend of antisemitic hate above previously unacceptable levels. It is sadly easy for those outside of the Jewish community to ignore or dismiss, despite there being plenty of cases of hate acts in our own county which have very real-world consequences including changes to student life and costly responsive measures at faith or community center locations.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, there has been a 337% increase in antisemitism since December of last year. At least eight instances of antisemitic flyers being left on car windshields in San Diego neighborhoods were documented in 2023. Some of these featured the faces of prominent members of the community in an attempt to harass and intimidate them. In July of last year, a Rabbi was assaulted inside a 7-Eleven store near the San Diego State University campus. Six individual bomb threats have been called into Jewish temples across the city on one day in January. And Jewish students, some as young as high-school age, have been “doxed”: having their personal information including addresses and phone numbers leaked onto the internet with malicious intent.

While all of these examples should concern anyone, there is an opportunity moment here. It is clear that all government officials, organizations, religious leaders, and individuals need to stand up to these recent threats and unequivocally condemn all forms of hatred and bigotry. In a time of difficult state budget decisions, we must prioritize specific public safety support to the demonstrated targets of threats. And there is also a need to educate and build bridges where we can, including reaching out to partner Muslim organizations to link common ground against Islamophobic acts also on the rise in our community.

It is a privilege to be working on this support at the State Capitol, as an Assemblymember for San Diego and a member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. My office has been forming responsive actions to address antisemitic literature in communities with high numbers of Jewish families, include the Jewish perspective into DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) initiatives, and train local officials on what they can do when hate speech or acts arise in public forums. I am also forming legislation to support victims who have been harmed as a result of being doxed on the internet, and am engaged in work for effective budget priorities that will make a difference.

This is on the heels of substantial attention and support we have secured in recent years. Governor Gavin Newsom doubled funding to the state’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program to $40 million, allowing nonprofit organizations — including synagogues and mosques — apply for money to bolster security at places of worship that are a target for violent attacks and hate crimes. In addition, the California Jewish Caucus will be making a budget request to continue funding and strengthening the California Teachers Collaborative on Holocaust and Genocide Education, which trains teachers and provides resources to strengthen education statewide. Finally, the caucus had seven priority bills signed into law last year, which reflects the mission and values of its members.

With Yom Ha’Shoah coming in April, I’m looking for ways to commemorate our local Holocaust survivors and their families, in a time when denialism is sadly rising especially with younger generations. Now, more than ever, it is important for the Jewish community and allies to be vigilant and stand together in solidarity, and remain hopeful that more help is on the way because of our shared commitment to the principles of equality, dignity, and human rights for all. It is because of our determination and perseverance that we will get through this difficult moment in history together, emerging stronger because of our visible actions and interconnection. Please see my office as a resource to discuss your ideas and perspectives; you can reach me at (619) 280-7801 or email Assemblymember.Ward@assembly.ca.gov.

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Ward represents the 78th Assembly District.