Jewish California is sponsoring an ambitious five bills in 2026. These bills protect our institutions, affirm who we are, and ensure that Jewish Californians and members of all minority faith communities can participate fully in public life. [Press Release]
Five bills to pass and one to defeat: Jewish California’s priorities Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Press Release
Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan on Friday introduced AB 2664, our new “Safe Worship Zone” legislation to ensure that every Californian can enter a house of worship freely – without intimidation, harassment, or obstruction. [Press Release]
Bill introduced to create 100-foot ‘bubbles’ around places of worship Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Jewish Religion, Press Release
StandWithUs strongly condemns Assembly Bill 2159 (AB 2159), introduced by CA Assemblymember Robert Garcia. This bill would gut key provisions from AB 715, California’s landmark law aimed at fighting antisemitism in K-12 schools. [Press Release]
Entries will be accepted through Friday, May 15. Up to $30,000 in scholarships will be awarded. Winners will be recognized at a JAHM reception in San Diego in May. [Press Release]
Jewish history contest announced for 11th and 12th graders Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Jewish History, Press Release, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, USA
It started with the Playing Together Project, bringing together African American and American Jewish neighbors over Shabbat dinners to heal communal divides, and evolved into pitching a Jewish Solidarity Tent at the local Juneteenth Freedom Festival in San Diego. These moments were my “Small Alephs”—quiet calls to serve. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Thoughts at the conclusion of a district convention of Women of Reform Judaism Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, California, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
In his view, the current fighting is not only about neutralizing threats in the present, but about reshaping the future architecture of the Middle East. [Shor M. Masori]
Assembly Bill 2159 by Assemblymember Robert Garcia … would gut key provisions of AB 715, California’s landmark antisemitism law signed by Governor Newsom five months ago and upheld by a federal court in December. [Press Release]
Legislative effort afoot to undo protections for Jewish community Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Jewish History, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education
Today much of the hostility Jews, especially Jewish students on campuses, encounter is expressed through the language of anti-Zionism. Students are frequently targeted not simply as Jews but as “Zionists,” and the protests and slogans surrounding Israel have become one of the primary ways hostility toward Jewish identity now appears on campuses and in public life. A student may not be called a “dirty Jew,” but a “dirty Zionist.” The rhetoric has changed. The hostility has not. [Karen Klein]
Gubernatorial debate ignores important context for antisemitism Read More »
California, Israel, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Following are statements and analyses submitted to San Diego Jewish World by recognizable Jewish individuals and institutions about the Middle East war. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish community and the Mideast war: March 5, 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
I knew a little Shmendrik
He thought he was so bright,
Despite the vicious hatred, he thought it was all right … [J. Barry Gurdin]
Dedicated to all the political ‘schmendriks’ Read More »
California, Israel, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Jewish Federation of San Diego invites the community to join Jewish Federations of North America for its webinar “Briefing: Israel and the United States at War with Iran” at noon, Wednesday, March 4. [Cailin Acosta]
A full schedule of events Read More »
Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, California, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA
The State of California, the California State Board of Education, the State Department of Education, and Superintendent Tony Thurmond are being sued on behalf of Jewish parents whose children have been, and continue to be, the subjects of cruel, persistent, and pervasive antisemitism in their California public schools. [Press Release]
You do not have to hold office to stand for due process. You can show up. You can witness. You can document — calmly, lawfully, responsibly. [Terra Lawson-Remer]
Lawson-Remer promotes citizen overwatch of federal immigration actions Read More »
California, International, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAWith 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. [Press Release]
Jewish Public Affairs Committee renames itself ‘Jewish California’ Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Israel, Jewish Religion, Press Release, USA