Bay Area Jewish Coalition

🚨 The push to gut California’s landmark K–12 antisemitism law (AB 715) is being led by CAIR-CA, AROC, JVP, and others—groups with a documented record of the very antisemitism the law was meant to address. Read IAN’s report: intelligentadvocacy.net/f/the-campaign…

UPDATE: SAN JOSE CITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY REJECTS ISRAEL DIVESTMENT ATTEMPT Today, during a routine annual review of the City of San José’s investment policy, the City Council unanimously rejected calls to divest from companies “providing services to the State of Israel in its ongoing conflict in Gaza.” Such a proposal would have conflicted with the city’s longstanding commitment not to legislate foreign affairs. We are grateful to Councilmembers Peter Ortiz and @KameiRosemary for their leadership in rejecting the inclusion of foreign affairs as a factor in the city’s investment strategy. We also thank Councilmembers @GeorgeCaseySJ, Michael Mulcahy, and @D4SanJose who spoke out in favor of keeping the policy domestically focused. The decision not to insert international affairs into the city’s investment policy represents a significant win for the residents of San José. It ensures that the city’s standards remain focused, constructive, and less divisive. Most importantly, it will support the overall wellbeing of the city's diverse community. JCRC Bay Area supports objective, value-based investment policies. However, actions that single out Israel unfairly stigmatize Jewish constituents and run counter to San José’s commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and vibrant community for all. Today’s outcome also represents another clear rejection of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Activists' offensive attempts to conflate Israel with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) totally fell flat. We commend the Council for recognizing the specious, hollow nature of these efforts, which do nothing to meaningfully support the people of Gaza. Finally, we extend our sincere appreciation to the many Jewish community members and organizations that mobilized on less than 24 hours’ notice, sending hundreds of letters and showing up in person to provide public comment. We are grateful for the partnership of the Bay Area Jewish Coalition and Jewish Silicon Valley in this effort.

JCRC OPEN LETTER: ANTISEMITIC RICHMOND MAYOR EDUARDO MARTINEZ MUST RESIGN! To the residents of Richmond, California, to elected leaders across the Bay Area, and to all who believe in public service grounded in dignity and responsibility: Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez is an elected official entrusted with the well-being of more than 100,000 residents, including hundreds of Jewish residents. That responsibility demands care, restraint, and respect for all communities. Unfortunately, Mayor Martinez has demonstrated an alarming and ongoing pattern of conduct that falls far short of that standard. In recent days, the mayor has posted repeatedly on LinkedIn spreading false conspiracies blaming Jews for the Bondi Beach terror attack. Such rhetoric is dangerously antisemitic, deeply offensive, and wholly unacceptable—particularly coming from a sitting mayor. Words from public officials carry weight and when those words echo antisemitic tropes they place people at risk. This behavior does not exist in isolation. Earlier this year, Mayor Martinez spoke at a conference in Detroit where he compared himself to Hamas and wore a hat that read “DDTTIDF,” an acronym calling for “Death, Death To The Israel Defense Forces (IDF).” Only two weeks after the atrocities of October 7th, he led Richmond to become the first city in the United States to pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire without including any condemnation of Hamas. Taken together, these actions reflect a consistent and deeply troubling disregard for the safety and dignity of Jewish people. They erode public trust and send a chilling message to Jewish residents that they are neither protected nor respected by their own mayor. Leadership requires accountability. When an elected official’s words and actions make a segment of the community feel unsafe and abandoned by their government, that official can no longer effectively serve. The tragic mass shooting in Sydney last week is just the latest example of how exactly this sort of antisemitic rhetoric can lead to violence. For these reasons, Mayor Eduardo Martinez must resign. No community should be led by someone whose conduct contributes to fear, division, and exclusion. This is a stark example of where toxic social media, unchecked rhetoric, and the constant demonization of Israel and Jews can lead—and why it must be confronted.

Our statement on the horrific attack on Bondi Beach in Australia. Antisemitism and hatred can never be tolerated. The SFPD is increasing patrols at places of worship and Jewish community events around the city.

I am heartbroken by the devastating attack in Sydney. Hate and antisemitism have no place in our world or in San Francisco. As the San Francisco Jewish community gathers to celebrate the start of the Hanukkah season, the San Francisco Police Department and our public safety partners are prepared and will be in close coordination to ensure everyone can observe the holiday safely and peacefully.

To wake up to news of terror, loss and heartbreak on the first night of Hanukkah is devastating. This is an attack on our values. I am praying for the Jewish community, particularly those injured and for the families of those who have been lost. This was a deliberate attempt to inject fear into a community that has been targeted in this country and across the world for centuries. We will not let that fear prevent us from coming together. And we will not let the hate of others tear down the values we hold dear. I’ve reached out to our Police Chief @SJPD_AC_Joseph to ensure that those celebrating and those mourning will be kept safe in our city. Hanukkah is about hope and resilience. It’s a time when we celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and religious freedom. Our flame will not go out. We will light the Menorah together tonight, honoring those who have been lost in Australia and affirming the rights of the Jewish people in San Jose and across the globe.

NEW: ‘Human swastika’ at San Jose high school prompts investigation. Teenagers formed a swastika on the football field at Branham High. The photo was posted to social media alongside a Hitler quote about "the annihilation of the Jewish race." @jewishsf jweekly.com/2025/12/05/hum…

Following the original post, the Bay Area Jewish Coalition team took immediate action, working with Cupertino Mayor Liang Chao, who showed true leadership and care for our community. That same day, we met with Jun Liu, founder of Leadways School, who responded quickly and responsibly. Principal Joseph Stark has since shared a public apology. We value that Principal Stark has chosen to face the issue head on, and hope that it was a meaningful learning opportunity. This moment is a reminder that change doesn’t come from silence or outrage alone — it comes from accountability, dialogue, and the courage to do better. Thank you @StopAntisemites for helping drive accountability and awareness. Full statement: tinyurl.com/bajcstopantise… Bay Area Jewish Coalition (BAJC): bayareajewishcoalition.org

Update: School principal Joseph Stark has issued an apology after he was caught labeling a commemoration of 10/7 victims as “Nazi propaganda”. Had his hate been directed at any other minority group, Joseph Stark would be ostracized from working further in education.

Last Saturday, @StopAntisemites shared this report. Within hours, our Bay Area Jewish Coalition team took action, working with Cupertino Mayor Liang Chao, who showed true leadership and care for our community. We also want to thank StopAntisemitism for helping drive accountability and awareness. That same day, we met with Jun Liu, founder of Leadways School, who responded quickly and responsibly. Principal Joseph Stark has since shared a public apology. We value that Principal Stark has chosen to face the issue head on, and hope that it was a meaningful learning opportunity. This moment is a reminder that change doesn’t come from silence or outrage alone — it comes from accountability, dialogue, and the courage to do better. Together, we can build schools and communities where every student feels seen, safe, and respected. The Bay Area Jewish Coalition (BAJC) (@BAJCoalition) is a grassroots organization dedicated to ensuring that Jews can live and thrive safely in the Bay Area. 📢 To report antisemitic incidents: actnowk12.org bayareajewishcoalition.org Full statement: tinyurl.com/bajcstopantise…

Our landmark bill to counter antisemitism in K-12 schools – #AB715 – just passed the Senate Floor with a 35-0 vote (with 5 abstentions)! We expect a vote on the Assembly Floor tonight, so make your final calls to Assembly offices NOW: YesOnAB715.com

I strongly condemn the act of antisemitic terrorism today in Boulder, Colorado. I am praying for all the injured and their families. This kind of antisemitic violence and hatred has no place in America.

Praying for the victims of today’s terror attack in Boulder, CO. Political violence is never acceptable.

✅ AB 715 PASSES THE ASSEMBLY! California’s landmark bill to counter antisemitism in schools has passed the Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support: 64-0! 👏 HUGE thank you to authors @AsmRickZbur & @AsmDawnAddis and chairs of the Black, Latino, Native American, AAPI, and Jewish Caucuses for being our champions. This significant step forward is also thanks to the tireless advocacy of 47 Jewish organizations across the state – and the 700 of you who joined us in Sacramento to lobby or testify this month. Now, the bill moves to the Senate. Let’s keep the momentum going! #AB715 #CAJewishVoice

ICYMI: “It is both shocking and heartbreaking that it has come to this,” @BAJCoalition -- which partnered with @StandWithUs -- said. "SCUSD Jewish students feel abandoned, leaving us no choice but to file this official complaint.” By @DionJPierre algemeiner.com/2025/04/09/cal…

A middle school student testified about antisemitism in K–12 schools before the California Assembly Education Committee in Sacramento on Wednesday. What Jewish students are enduring is heartbreaking.

Today, a Jewish family in Cupertino woke up to a disturbing sight displayed on their neighbor's home. This was intentionally put up, forcing everyone on the street to see it. The hateful display remains. Hate has no place in our neighborhoods 🚫 instagram.com/p/DGEUq5VyAVo/…

📢 We just launched our BAJC Instagram to build a stronger Bay Area Jewish presence! We will use this channel to share important updates, calls to action, and tell the collective story of our amazing Bay Area Jewish community. Follow and share 🙏 instagram.com/bayareajewishc…

In less than four days, this billboard in Humboldt County was vandalized. This should be investigated as a hate crime. jweekly.com/2025/02/04/pro… cc: @HumCoSO @ADL @SFJCRC @CNN @FoxNews @EmmaAudreyGoss

Jewish students are on the front lines of a modern-day civil rights movement. Grateful for our partners who brought blindspotmovie.com to Palo Alto this weekend to learn more about the discrimination Jewish students face every day on college campuses. @StandWithUs, @ofjcc, @BAJCoalition