SACRAMENTO (Press Release) — JPAC, Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California, announced on Wednesday a new name and brand: Jewish California, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s more than 50-year history.
With the tagline Our Voice in Sacramento, the new name and brand reflect the organization’s evolution into the nation’s largest statewide coalition of Jewish organizations and reaffirms its mission: to amplify Jewish voices through strategic statewide advocacy and coalition-building to better the lives of Jews and all Californians.
“Over the past five decades, our organization has grown dramatically in scope, reach, and impact, securing key victories in Sacramento on behalf of the Jewish community’s concerns and broadly shared values,” said Jewish California Executive Director David Bocarsly. “Half a century later, this work is more important than ever, and the name Jewish California clearly communicates who we are and what we do: we are our community’s unified voice in Sacramento.”
The rebrand comes on the heels of a major policy victory – the passage of AB 715, landmark first-in-the-nation legislation to counter antisemitism in K-12 public schools – and the day before Jewish California, JCRC Bay Area, and JFEDLA host their gubernatorial candidate forum at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. It also occurs at a pivotal moment for the Jewish community, as antisemitism has surged in recent years and remains the second-most prevalent form of hate in California, and as policies and budget constraints threaten programs that reflect core Jewish values.
Founded in 1972 with just five member organizations and no staff, the organization has grown into a trusted resource to policymakers and a unifying force for Jewish Californians. Today, Jewish California represents 41 member organizations – including Jewish Federations, Jewish Community Relations Councils, Jewish Family Service agencies, and other community institutions – serving hundreds of thousands of Californians of all backgrounds and advocating on behalf of the state’s 1.2 million Jewish residents.
“Jewish California has been a critical partner to the Jewish Caucus in advancing our most important priorities,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D–Encino), Chair of the California Jewish Legislative Caucus Chair. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with Jewish California to fight hate and antisemitism, protect vulnerable communities, and uplift Californians of all faiths and backgrounds.”
Over the last four years alone, Jewish California has translated its growing coalition into measurable statewide impact. During that time, the organization has:
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Secured more than $450 million in state funding for nonprofit security, Holocaust education, hate prevention, and essential social services;
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Passed 57 bills into law, including 11 sponsored bills, addressing antisemitism and hate and supporting at-risk populations;
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Led the successful passage of AB 715, establishing a first-in-the-nation framework to confront antisemitism in California’s K–12 public schools;
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Partnered with the Governor to launch the Golden State Plan to Counter Antisemitism; and
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Championed policies protecting immigrants, children, seniors, and other vulnerable communities.
“The work we are doing to advance our Jewish values – dignity for all, justice, and repairing the world – has never been more urgent,” said Jewish California Board Chair Debi Graboff. “At a time of rising antisemitism and growing challenges facing families across our state, Jewish California stands firmly as our community’s voice in Sacramento, fighting for policies that protect Jewish Californians while strengthening the safety and opportunity of our entire state. Our new name reflects both who we are today and the future we are determined to build: a safe, just, and equitable California for all.”
As part of this evolution, the organization also announced the launch of Jewish California Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that will serve as the educational arm of California’s Jewish community, advancing civic engagement and educating state leaders about Jewish values, traditions, culture, and threats to community safety.
Together, Jewish California and Jewish California Foundation will continue to build coalitions, advance accountability, and ensure that every Jewish Californian can learn, work, worship, and live safely and openly.
For more information, visit Jewish California’s new website www.jewishcal.org and follow @jewishcalifornia on social media.
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Preceding provided by Jewish California.