California

Israeli Speaker’s Event Violently Disrupted at UC Berkeley

“BWe are outraged at the events that unfolded. Many of our students are hurt and frightened. This is never acceptable behavior and has no place in civil discourse. We are proud of the students who organized the event and remained steadfast and courageous in the face of bullying and threats. Berkeley Hillel steadfastly condemns any acts of antisemitism, vandalism, and violence and remains committed to supporting Jewish students’ ability to fully express their Jewish identity without fear….” [Press Release, Berkeley Hillel]

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California, Israel, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

Jewish Defense Groups File Formal Complaint against Berkeley Unified School District for Antisemitism

According to the complaint, Berkeley administrators have ignored parent reports and knowingly allowed its K-12 schools to become hostile environments for Jewish and Israeli students. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, California, Holocaust, Israel, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Bugsy Siegel

After Siegel relocated to Los Angeles, he subordinated crime boss Jack Dragna and recruited Mickey Cohen as his chief lieutenant in a numbers racket and the creation of a drug trade route from Mexico. Siegel also controlled bookmaking, offshore casinos, and a major prostitution ring. His free-spending ways and high profile led to friendships with some of Hollywood’s best-known stars … [SDJW staff]

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California, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Today's Jewish Birthday, USA

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Elizabeth Taylor

Taylor said neither Todd nor Fisher were the reason for her conversion, that she had wanted to become Jewish “for a long time” and that there was “comfort and dignity and hope for me in this ancient religion that [has] survived for four thousand years … I feel as if I have been a Jew all my life.”[SDJW staff]

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California, International, Israel, Jewish Celebrities, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, USA

Our Shtetl San Diego County: Prayer Melodies from Tifereth Israel

Kol Tefilah, led by Debbie Mishek, M.D., is a performance group that periodically leads Friday night services at Tifereth Israel Synagogue “with joy, music, intimacy, and an awareness of God’s presence,” according to an announcement for the 6:15 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat service at 6:15 p.m., Friday, March 1. [SDJW staff]

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California, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Adam Schiff: ‘Going to continue to defend Israel’s right to defend itself’

By Ryan Torok LOS ANGELES (JNS) — In an address to the nation on Feb. 6, 2020, the day after he was acquitted in what would be his first U.S. Senate impeachment trial, then-president Donald Trump accused Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), “a corrupt politician,” of making up “my statement to the Ukrainian president.” “He brought

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California, Israel, USA

Confronting the Alarming Rise of Antisemitism in California

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. [Assemblymember Chris Ward]

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Antisemitism, California, Holocaust, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Schiff, Garvey Prove to Be the Pro-Israel Candidates in California’s Race for U.S. Senate

Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff and Republican candidate Steve Garvey proved themselves the most pro-Israel candidates of the four who debated on NBC and Telemundo television stations Tuesday evening, Feb. 20.  Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee was the most pro-Palestinian, and Democratic Rep. Katie Porter occupied middle ground. [Donald H. Harrison]

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California, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Antisemitic statements spray painted around Oakland’s Lake Merritt

Published by The Mercury News OAKLAND, Calif. — Antisemitic and pro-Hamas graffiti has been spray painted at different sites around Lake Merritt, community members said. It is the second time in two months an anti-Jewish act of vandalism has occurred near the lake. The graffiti was discovered Sunday painted on columns at the Lake Merritt

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Antisemitism, California, Israel, Nordot, USA

California Legislators Visit Sites of Oct. 7 Massacre

Throughout the trip – a collaboration of JPAC, JCRC Bay Area, and Jewish Federation LA – lawmakers witnessed firsthand the consequences of the horrific atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7th and their lasting effect on Israeli civil society. We visited impacted communities on the Gaza border and the surrounding areas, cried with families of hostages, and met with Israeli government officials, including President Isaac Herzog.  [David Bocarsly]

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California, Israel, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Our Shtetl San Diego County: Permanent Plaque Will Honor Howard Wayne at Hall of Justice

The San Diego County Bar Foundation has notified Mary Lundberg that her late husband, former California Assemblyman Howard Wayne (D-San Diego) will be memorialized with a permanent plaque bearing his likeness in the Hall of Justice of the San Diego Superior Court. [SDJW staff]

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California, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA