(Sacramento)- The California Legislative Jewish Caucus condemns the wave of bomb threats against Jewish Community Centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries that have occurred over the past several days. This week, Jewish Community Centers in Marin, Palo Alto, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Orange County and La Jolla received threats. The Anti-Defamation League office in San Francisco was also evacuated. Last week, Jewish cemeteries in Saint Louis and Philadelphia were vandalized.
“Children should not be sent to school in fear. California can stand up to protect centers of learning of all faiths from hate crimes,” said Assemblymember Marc Levine. “That’s why I introduced AB 927 which will provide funding to enhance security at schools so students and their parents can feel safe and focus on learning.”
“After another round of bomb threats at Jewish day schools around the country, and the horrifying desecration of a Jewish cemetery, it is becoming increasingly clear that anti-Semites in America are emboldened. There has always been an intersection between right wing extremism and anti-Semitism. Today that relationship is as clear as it’s ever been. Leaders, both national and local, have a responsibility to denounce these attacks and protect threatened communities,” said Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN). “And all people of good conscience must stand in defense of our brothers and sisters who have been targeted by far-right hatred. I denounce these attacks and pledge my solidarity to the Jewish community. Because an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us.”
Since the election, Jews have not been the only group targeted for harassment. Other targeted groups include Muslims, Sikhs, the LGBT community, women, refugees, immigrants and Latinos.
Contact: Minnie Santillan
(916) 319-2010
minnie.Santillan@asm.ca.gov