SACRAMENTO (Press Release) – Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC), the voice of California’s Jewish community to the state capitol, welcomed a record-breaking 600 Jewish leaders and allies to its annual Capitol Summit in Sacramento this week. With over 300 first-time participants, the 2025 gathering became a defining moment for statewide Jewish advocacy – fueled by an alarming rise in antisemitism and threats to social service programs from federal policy changes.
“More and more people are realizing that state-level advocacy is no longer optional – it’s essential,” said David Bocarsly, JPAC Executive Director. “The challenges facing our community are urgent, and California’s Jewish leaders are stepping up in unprecedented ways to defend our rights, protect our values, and build a more inclusive future for all.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the conference by video, praising JPAC’s work and reaffirming the state’s partnership with the Jewish community. “At a time when antisemitism is rising – not just online, but also behind closed doors, and in our streets, our schools, and even our Capitol – your voice is a moral anchor,” said Governor Newsom. “Antisemitism is a uniquely insidious form of hate that demands precise as well as aggressive action. Fighting it requires more than just policy – it requires partnership. And California will always be a partner to the Jewish community.”
He highlighted JPAC’s work in shaping California’s first-ever statewide antisemitism strategy: “With JPAC’s statewide coalition and California’s Legislative Jewish Caucus, we also created the Golden State Plan to Counter Antisemitism… This work goes hand in hand with other work we’re doing – much of it in partnership with you, in partnership with JPAC.”
Forty-six members of the 120-member California State Legislature joined JPAC’s May 5 program to express solidarity and discuss shared priorities with attendees. Keynote speakers included:
• Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra
On Tuesday, May 6, conference attendees met with nearly every legislative office to advocate for JPAC’s 2025 Capitol Summit priorities. The package focuses on fighting antisemitism in schools, addressing hunger, and supporting aging Holocaust survivors – and is a subset of JPAC’s larger policy agenda.
One of the most prominent items: Assembly Bill 1468, authored by Assemblymembers Rick Chavez Zbur and Dawn Addis and Senator Josh Becker, and sponsored by JPAC. AB 1468 establishes formal curriculum guidance for ethnic studies — a requirement already in place for other high school subjects — to ensure content is historically accurate, free from antisemitic bias, and aligned with educational best practices. The bill is backed by a record 66 Jewish organizations across the state.
Participants also advocated for Senate Bill 472, sponsored by JPAC and authored by Senator Henry Stern. SB 472 builds on recommendations from the Governor’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education to expand access to the required instruction and support schools in meeting the state mandate, in place since 1985.
“Just last month, the Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education released its report on the status of genocide education in California,” said Governor Newsom in his remarks. “And its recommendations [will] better provide people with the tools necessary to recognize and respond to the instances of antisemitism and bigotry.”
JPAC’s advocacy comes amid surging incidents of antisemitism across the state. In 2022, anti-Jewish hate crimes accounted for more than 60% of all religiously motivated hate crimes in California. In 2023, Jews were the second most targeted group overall – with many incidents occurring in schools.
“The Jewish community is increasingly worried about what the future looks like – for our students, our families, and our institutions,” said Bocarsly. “But we are not backing down. This year’s Capitol Summit proved that we are growing stronger, building new alliances, and refusing to compromise on what’s right.”
He continued: “We’re not just here to protect our own – we’re here to fight for the vulnerable. Whether it’s expanding access to healthcare and mental health services, working on climate solutions, or standing up for immigrants, faith communities, LGBTQ+ Californians, and others who are most at risk, our agenda is powered by both Jewish issues and Jewish values.”
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Preceding provided by the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California.