California Jewish Community to House Leadership: Take Action to Protect Democracy

A diverse coalition of more than 110 Jewish community organizations and leaders from across California, led by the San Francisco-based Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), the California Legislative Jewish Caucus and the JCRC of Silicon Valley, today called on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to come together to confront hyperpartisanship and rising extremism in our politics.

In the sign-on letter released today, the coalition urged House leaders to publicly affirm their commitment to “the foundational elements of our democratic republic, working together to rebuild the public’s trust” in the wake of the alarming and tragic events of January 6.

Paramount among the coalition’s concerns are the rising threats of domestic terrorism and online disinformation. The coalition is also calling for Congressional oversight to ensure law enforcement responds fully to the Capitol riot and to ensure an effective and equitable response to future civil unrest on federal property.

“For the Jewish community these concerns go beyond inflammatory rhetoric or abstract concepts of civility and speak directly to security. It was not lost on us that some of the rioters wore explicitly antisemitic clothing celebrating Jewish persecution,” said Tyler Gregory, Executive Director of the San Francisco-based JCRC. “The Jewish American experience has taught us that our future depends on civil discourse and a strong democracy. Our community needs to know that our leaders will not only guarantee our safety in the short run but also safeguard the norms and institutions upon which that safety is predicated.”

“Watching hundreds of our fellow Americans violently attack the U.S. Capitol was a chilling reminder of how easily hateful rhetoric can provoke hate-fueled violence,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (DEncino), Chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. “As a community deeply rooted in thoughtful discourse, social justice, and civic engagement, we must work to rebuild the democratic norms and institutions which are essential to our safety and fundamental to our Jewish and American values. We cannot continue down this path.”

The full letter and list of supporters can be found here.

About JCRC The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, Sonoma, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, one of 125 JCRCs nationwide, brings together and strengthens the Bay Area Jewish community. By building bridges and working in coalition with diverse ethnic, faith, political and civic communities, JCRC is strengthening the pillars of a healthy society that Jews and our neighbors need to thrive, together.