Northern California AJC

AJC N. Cal is deeply appreciative of SJPD's investigation of the assault on Santana Row that led to felony and misdemeanor charges filed against three defendants and we are thankful that the hate crime investigation is ongoing. We ask witnesses to come forward and cooperate and hope the accused will be held fully accountable for the crimes they committed.

Sunday’s horrifying assault of two Israeli-American men at a restaurant on Santana Row in San Jose echoes AJC’s findings in the 2025 State of Antisemitism Report Local and National leaders must redouble efforts to confront the very real danger facing the Jewish community throughout the country. ajc.org/AntisemitismRe…

We extend deepest thanks to the German (@GermanyinSF) , Israeli (@IsraelinSF ), and Greek Consulates of San Francisco, 27 represented nations, & AJC’s community partners, including Congregations @templeemanuelsf & @SherithIsrael, JCFS, and Chief Lew from @SFPD ) for uniting in remembrance on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Memory endures through collective action. #NeverForget

As the Richmond City Council weighs a resolution to censure Mayor Eduardo Martinez for a pattern of antisemitic rhetoric, the local Jewish community and our allies have been active in calling for his resignation. “The Richmond Jewish community is absolutely taking the lead,” JCRC’s Jeremy Russell told @Richmondside, describing the ongoing effort to hold Mayor Martinez accountable. richmondside.org/2026/01/19/ric…

JOINT STATEMENT: ON SENATOR SCOTT WIENER'S USAGE OF THE TERM "GENOCIDE" We are deeply disappointed that Senator @Scott_Wiener posted a video in response to last week’s congressional debate that accuses Israel of committing genocide. We recognize that Senator Wiener has been a strong supporter of the Jewish community throughout the Israel-Hamas war and his many years of public service, and that he has directly experienced antisemitic attacks simply for being Jewish. Unfortunately, Senator Wiener’s newly stated position is both incorrect and lacks moral clarity. The diminishment and weaponization of the term “genocide” in this context has been deeply painful for our community, given our own historical experiences with the Holocaust. Since October 7, 2023, Jews at home and around the world have continued to experience relentless targeting and scapegoating, including acts of deadly violence. All too often, those harboring antisemitic views have used the war to justify their hatred of our community. The devastation throughout this war – including the loss of life in Gaza and Southern Israel – has been felt by us all. Yet framing this conflict in reductionist and inflammatory terms fuels further hostility toward our community. We believe that words matter. We call on the Senator and our elected, civic, and education leaders to recognize and reflect on the consequences of their words in this fraught and polarizing environment. A Joint Statement From: @AJCNorCal JCRC Bay Area @HolocaustJFCS @JPACCalifornia SF Jews in School *This statement is not intended to support or oppose any candidate for public office.*

.@MayorEduardo Martinez disgracefully amplified antisemitic tropes by promoting dangerous conspiracy theories, which deny or seek to justify the horrendous murders of the terrorist assault on Bondi Beach on the first night of Hanukkah. It is irresponsible and unacceptable for anyone, let alone an elected official, to peddle such hatred. And Mayor Martinez has excused and rationalized terrorism in the past. His dangerous rhetoric must be unequivocally condemned. He is unfit to represent the people of Richmond, California.

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.

During an early evening celebration, Jewish families in Australia were horrifically gunned down in a vile act of terror. California’s heart is with Australia today as we stand with the Jewish community worldwide against a rising tide of antisemitic violence and hate. Antisemitism has no place in our world.

California law on Jew-hatred in K-12 schools ‘badly needed,’ AJC says in brief to court - JNS.org

Bay Area district’s map deleting Israel discriminated against Jews, California Ed Dept says jns.org/bay-area-distr…

A room filled with descendants of Austrians and Germans who were forced to flee their home country due to political persecution learned how to become re-naturalized citizens. Expert voices, including Consul General of Germany Theo Kidess, German Deputy Consul Verena Kacem, Austrian Consul Isabella Tomas, & Austrian Consul Rainer Krinebitter provided information & answered questions. Appreciate our participants & Congregation Sherith Israel for letting us use their beautiful space. @GermanyinSF @AustriainUSA @SherithIsrael

After 738 days, we are overjoyed watching the reunions of the twenty surviving hostages with their loved ones, and our hearts are with the families of the deceased hostages who await their return. Read our full statement: ajc.org/news/ajc-welco…

Statement from Seth Brysk, AJC N CA Regional Director, regarding the hostage release:

As Shabbat begins, our prayers are with the hostages and their families, and with all those longing for peace. Now is the time for the world to stand united and demand: Hamas must release the hostages, end the terror, and allow the possibility of a better future for both Palestinians and Israelis.