California

Rabbi Devorah Marcus, 13 others, honored at California Capitol

“Jewish American Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary contributions Jewish Americans have made to our state and nation, while also reflecting on the values that have sustained our community across generations – our commitment to justice, learning, service, and repairing the world,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), Chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. [Press Release]

Rabbi Devorah Marcus, 13 others, honored at California Capitol Read More »

California, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release, San Diego County, USA

Judge recuses prosecutor who promoted current case on his campaign website as a fight against antisemitism

Santa Clara County judge issued a rare order recusing Rosen and his entire office from retrying the case. Superior Court Judge Kelley Paul sided with defense attorneys who cited a range of concerns, including Rosen’s promotion of the case on a campaign website highlighting his efforts in “fighting antisemitism.” [Bruce S. Ticker]

Judge recuses prosecutor who promoted current case on his campaign website as a fight against antisemitism Read More »

Antisemitism, Bruce Ticker, California, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Congressional candidate advocates tightening rules on campus antisemitism

Mandate complete transparency of foreign funding to universities and nonprofits under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, with severe financial penalties and loss of tax-exempt status for nondisclosure. Congress must close loopholes that allow foreign governments and entities to influence American education. [Stan Caplan]

Congressional candidate advocates tightening rules on campus antisemitism Read More »

Antisemitism, California, Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

AJC San Diego publishes resource for Jewish American History Month

AJC San Diego has developed a set of mini-lessons about notable Jewish San Diegans throughout the city’s history. Click here to view the lessons, three of which are narrated by this publication’s publisher and editor, Donald H. Harrison. [Cailin Acosta]

AJC San Diego publishes resource for Jewish American History Month Read More »

Business & Finance, Cailin Acosta, California, Israel, Jewish Religion, Opinion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Proposed legislation to gut law protecting Jewish students is killed

The proposed language was never amended into the bill, and it was never referred to a committee, missing Friday’s legislative deadline to advance this session. Yet another effort to undo our hard-earned civil rights has failed, and AB 715 remains the law of California. (David Bocarsly)

Proposed legislation to gut law protecting Jewish students is killed Read More »

California, Israel, Jewish History, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Former SDSU art history professor writes candidly about her previous life in apartheid South Africa

Berelowitz, who went on to become an art historian and a professor at San Diego State University, combines her personal experiences with meticulous research to paint a portrait of South Africa under the heel of the racist Nationalist party. She never felt she belonged in the country of her birth. [Donald H. Harrison]

Former SDSU art history professor writes candidly about her previous life in apartheid South Africa Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Legislative Jewish Caucus furious over candidate’s antisemitism permitted in California’s voter pamphlet

The California Legislative Jewish Caucus forcefully pushed back on Tuesday against the decision to allow antisemitic conspiracy theories to be included in the Official Voter Information Guide for the California Primary. [Press Release]

Legislative Jewish Caucus furious over candidate’s antisemitism permitted in California’s voter pamphlet Read More »

Antisemitism, California, Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, USA

Violinist Martin Chalifour performs marvelously with S.D.’s Jewish Community Symphony

The first half of the program was conducted by the orchestra’s assistant conductor, Robert Zelickman, and opened with a nicely paced Overture to Rosamunde by Franz Schubert. As is typical with this composer, who is known for his beautiful melodies, this overture was filled with engaging themes. [Eileen Wingard]

Violinist Martin Chalifour performs marvelously with S.D.’s Jewish Community Symphony Read More »

California, Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Former Druze Israeli diplomat Reda Mansour tells Technion’s story

Fluent in five languages, he was both the youngest ambassador and the first non-Jewish individual appointed as an Israeli diplomat. His career included postings as Israel’s ambassador to Ecuador, Brazil, and Panama, and as consul general in San Francisco and Atlanta, among other roles. [Press Release]

Former Druze Israeli diplomat Reda Mansour tells Technion’s story Read More »

California, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Judaism, Middle East, Press Release, Technology, USA

A Bezos-backed PAC and Irwin Jacobs are bankrolling Ammar Campa-Najjar

Irwin Jacobs dropped $500,000 to support Campa-Najjar, one of the leading Democratic candidates in a toss-up district that could determine control of Congress. The Bezos-backed group added another $250,000 on his behalf. [Tessa Balc, Times of San Diego]

A Bezos-backed PAC and Irwin Jacobs are bankrolling Ammar Campa-Najjar Read More »

California, Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Bill introduced to ban demonstrations within 100 feet of Houses of Worship

The SACRED Act would create federal penalties for targeted harassment and engaging in conduct intended to intimidate or obstruct people exercising their right to religious worship within 100 feet of a place of worship, while simultaneously protecting the First Amendment rights of those who seek to protest, picket and/or demonstrate. [Press Release]

Bill introduced to ban demonstrations within 100 feet of Houses of Worship Read More »

Antisemitism, California, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Press Release, USA

Anti-Israel screed published in California’s voter pamphlet

California’s candidate statement guidelines (page may be down) are clear: statements must be limited to a candidate’s personal background and qualifications. The statement published by Don J. Grundmann does not meet that standard. Instead, it promotes hateful rhetoric and conspiracy theories unrelated to his background or qualifications. (Press Release)

Anti-Israel screed published in California’s voter pamphlet Read More »

Antisemitism, California, Israel, Press Release

AMCHA Initiative supports request by Jewish professors to intervene in lawsuit alleging antisemitism at UCLA

AMCHA Initiative on Monday expressed support for the motion filed by seven Jewish UCLA faculty members seeking to intervene in the pending federal civil rights case against the University of California.  [Press Release]

AMCHA Initiative supports request by Jewish professors to intervene in lawsuit alleging antisemitism at UCLA Read More »

Antisemitism, California, Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA