SUBSCRIBE Log In Show Search Letters to the Editor How to submit a letter Tips View All Advertisement Voices Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor: California, not just L.A., must find ways to fight antisemitism A synagogue in the background, with Israeli and Palestinian flags in the foreground A protest with pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrators near Adas Torah in Los Angeles on June 23, 2024. (Zoe Cranfill / Los Angeles Times) June 18, 2025 5 AM PT 1 To the editor: Guest contributor Rabbi Noah Farkas writes that antisemitism is “a Los Angeles problem” (“L.A. has more to do to fight antisemitism and protect Jewish residents,” June 4). It definitely is. But it is also a San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego problem, a California problem and an American problem. The lack of solidarity he speaks of in defense of civil rights, equity and equality for Jews is a state and national problem. We feel it as painfully and as palpably in Berkeley, Oakland and San Francisco as in Los Angeles. We struggle with the same challenges of being under-resourced to ensure the physical safety of Jewish community members at schools, senior centers, synagogues and community centers. We struggle, too, with the lack of recognition and inclusion of the diversity of the Jewish community including Ethiopian, Mizrahi and Sephardic voices, as Farkas notes, as well as Asian, African American and Hispanic Jews in ethnic studies curricula. Jews at California schools and universities experience well-documented marginalization, gaslighting and invidious targeting through verbal and physical abuse and violence, harassment, exclusion and discrimination, as Farkas illustrates. We need action and allyship on a local, state and national level on a bipartisan basis across society and with the support of the full diversity of the American people. Only then will Jewish people in America be safe and only then will we come closer to achieving freedom, equality and access to justice for all. Noam Schimmel, Berkeley This writer is a lecturer in global studies at UC Berkeley. .. To the editor: Farkas says L.A. must do more to fight antisemitism. This invites the question: Or what? What will the Jewish community of Los Angeles do if the government and citizens of the city and county of Los Angeles continue to ignore antisemitism? The word “must” implies that there will be consequences for failure to act. Farkas should lead the Jewish Federation in developing a plan of action that will hold Los Angeles’ leaders accountable for fighting antisemitism and that will impose actual consequences if those leaders fail. Advertisement Stuart Creque, Moraga, Calif. .. To the editor: I doubt antisemitism is higher now than before. However, the expression of it certainly is. This is part of a general coarsening of public expression that was exacerbated in 2016 by a presidential candidate who called people names and is mean and confrontational. When he said that there were “very fine people on both sides” in 2017, he opened the Pandora’s box of hate that has its expression in vile and violent antisemitic attacks. As long as this tone is set from above, we will have violence, like that against lawmakers in Minnesota, and all sorts of hate-induced attacks. Measures that Farkas suggests will do little to counter this narrative of open expression of hate by our leaders. Harlan Levinson, Los Angeles

This is no boy who cried wolf, this is more like the wolf is on both sides now: Close Site search Search... Subscribe Sign-in or Register Contact Us Candlelighting times 73° News Features Opinion Community Obituaries Events Current Issue Magazines Archive Classifieds CJN Foundation Subscribe Headlines Targeting Iranian state TV: Legal under international law? ‘Israel is waging this war for the entire Western world’ Man charged with hate crime for assault of Jewish man in San Francisco US State Department to vet social media of student visa applicants for signs of terrorist group support Legislators introduce resolution against US involvement in Iran Doubt under fire ‘Time for moral clarity,’ Republican politicians say after Israelis mistreated at Paris event ‘Striking ayatollahs with great force’: Netanyahu updates nation on Iran war How the Mossad did the unbelievable in Iran US embassy in Israel sends urgent notice about evacuation of US citizens Home JNS JNS Prev Previous Previous Targeting Iranian state TV: Legal under international law? Neither journalists nor television broadcast outlets are immune from attack if t… Next Next Up Next Up ‘Israel is waging this war for the entire Western world’ Showing reporters the devastating damage caused by Iranian missiles, Bat Yam May… Jewish leaders in southern California tell officials to take ‘decisive action’ on Jew-hatred Aaron Bandler Posted Jun 9, 2025 at 12: 12 PM Facebook Twitter Email Print Stories appearing in our World pages originate from aggregated news feeds obtained from various subscription news sources. Screenshot 2025-06-09 at 3.30.16 PM.png A pro-Palestinian protest and pro-Israeli counter-protest at the University of California, Berkeley, on Oct. 25, 2023. Photo / Kefr4000 / Wikimedia Commons. Facebook Twitter Email Print Facebook Twitter Email Print The Anti-Defamation League of Orange County/Long Beach in California and the Jewish Federation of Orange County called on elected officials to take stronger action against antisemitism in a joint statement released on June 6. The ADL and Federation chapters pointed to the recent shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington and the firebombing of those rallying in Boulder, Colo., in support of hostages in Hamas captivity, as the result of the “antisemitic rhetoric, violence at protests, dehumanizing language and efforts to marginalize Jews” since the Hamas-led terror attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The ADL documented 1,344 antisemitic incidents in the state in 2024, a 6.2% increase from the year prior. There were 107 incidents in the Long Beach and Orange County areas, a 22% increase from the year before. Nationwide, the ADL documented 9,354 antisemitic incidents in the country, which is a 5% increase from 2023 and a 344% increase over the past five years. The ADL and Federation chapters outlined “decisive action” that state and local leaders should take to fight against antisemitism. These measures include publicly condemning antisemitism and all other forms of hate, and antisemitic incidents should be addressed quickly. They also called for providing “funding assistance for security enhancements at non-profit institutions, including religious ones, to protect against hate-motivated violence,” continuing funding toward the Non-Profit Security Grant program and adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism as a tool for governments to use to fight Jew-hatred. The ADL and Federation chapters also urged elected officials “to implement clear policies and rigorous oversight to ensure a safe and respectful environment for Jewish students and the entire community” on college campuses. “We have been raising the alarm for some time about the type of violent rhetoric we saw espoused during the recent attacks, and in many cases, our concerns have been dismissed,” stated Matthew Friedman, regional director of the local ADL branch. “We are imploring everyone to stand up to the hate directed against our community.” Erik Ludwig, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Orange County, stated that “antisemitism threatens not only the Jewish community but the values of our entire society. We urge leaders at every level to act decisively to confront hate and foster an environment where all people can live in safety and with dignity.”

I want to say that you made me in California. I have been here all my life, and have no police record, I am fifth generation and my great, great grandfather was Jacob Hyman, you all know who he was. There were about 100 Jews in Fulsom and violence was brewing. Somehow the word made its way to DC and my family and there friends were saved. So maybe California was never that friendly to Jews.

And then there were none: · Sep 12, 2024 As many as ten major pillars causing antisemitism broke since october 7. But the problem is still very much there. Imagine what would have happened if the pillars remained. We would face a second HOLOCAUST. How do people survive such violence today. Not easy!

Well dressed high heeled high minded woke and (Antisemetic?)

For a bunch of people who just tried to overthrow democracy this no kings bs is pure hypocrite.

So why would the government of California diss and perhaps endanger about 7% of its population including some vips, who also happen to be democrats? Its called hate.

A clear understanding of antisemitism in California: I lobbied for about six months and now this; Israeli-American Civic Action Network @ICANAction · May 12 WATCH LOCAL CALIFORNIA OFFICIALS SUPPORT THE IHRA DEFINITION OF ANTISEMITISM Today, California introduced AB 715 as a new legislative effort to fight antisemitism in public schools, but it doesn’t include or reference the IHRA definition of antisemitism. Without a clear definition, the bill lacks teeth and risks confusion and uneven enforcement across the state. The solution is simple: use the definition that’s already being used at the federal level and by major California cities. The IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism is already the standard for: 🎯All Title VI-Related Federal Agencies 🎯37 U.S. states 🎯The cities of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, El Cajon, and Riverside County These cities debated this definition, and they passed it unanimously. Sacramento should stop stalling and catch up to its own cities—and to the national standard. Tell lawmakers: Strengthen AB 715. Add the IHRA definition now.

I am eyeing some rather more Jew friendly states though: Hawaii, Rhode Island and Nevada. When I go from California, if I do, I hope an earth quake occurs. 49th most antisemitic state, and partly founded by my own family. Ha!

If antisemitism continues at this level Jews will go to Israel. I suppose that is the choice the Non Jewish American world is making. But remember if we leave the hate will just go elsewhere. I figure that the main reason I am hated is because I don't offer much about me to hate.

The Anti-Defamation League reported that antisemitic incidents surged by 361% in the months following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. In 2024, the trend was similarly alarming. The ADL recorded over 10,000 antisemitic incidents, with nearly a third occurring during anti-Israel rallies. Additionally, 33% of American Jews reported being personally targeted by antisemitism, either in person or online, at least once during the year. The rise in antisemitic attitudes was particularly pronounced among younger Americans, with millennials endorsing the highest number of anti-Jewish tropes5. Government responses have included legislative efforts, such as the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which aims to combat discrimination on college campuses. The White House also reaffirmed its commitment to fighting antisemitism through executive orders and policy measures7. However, debates continue over how best to address the issue while protecting free speech.

Antisemitic incidents in California have surged in recent years, with some cities experiencing higher rates than others. While exact per-thousand-person metrics for all 50 cities aren't readily available, reports indicate that Northern California has seen a 202% increase in antisemitic incidents, with universities being particularly affected. Statewide, California recorded 518 antisemitic incidents in 2022, marking a 41% increase from the previous year. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported that antisemitic incidents nationwide reached a record high in 2024, with 9,354 incidents across the U.S., averaging more than 25 per day.

Trump to butter his toast on the right side up.

New Christians try out new water slides and surf boards.

BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL TO GET LOST IN OUTER SPACE AND RETURN INSIDE THE HOUSE.

People are losing trust in dildos and dumb asses.

I received far more insults and other attacks on me than praise or other rewards, but I pushed forwards anyway, and now my foes are drooling.

The antisemites who say it is failing to work need to watch this!

Woman depressed today and then smiles and begins laughing.

Professors and faculty will receive no free eclairs this week.

Inflating one's ego has never won a war, but who knows!

Local nut case caught cracking his nuts today.

No doomsday device so far, but they are working on it.

Chesty Chad to be reborn is your local church.

With terror weapons gone Hamas builds a haunted house for profit to buy missiles.

In a touching moment they pressed their fat butts together and formed a relationship.

This is Hamas!

Iranians are basically Romulans.

Have you lost your mind! What is your penis doing there?

Everlasting love to move fast and explode the flood gates.

Naked Bald Men to determine domestic policy.

HOW DUMB CAN YOU GET GLUE SNIFFING TOY: on sale now!

Dumb luck never worked for me, but you can have all of mine and just go with it.

Hamas to run out of Ham this weak and resort to old habits.

Village idiots keep popping up in Tehran.

Youth with no job prospects decides to become Olympic Swimmer instead!

Fart blaster demon destroys 133 structures in Iran.

Intelects and other great minds, stick their pecker and move it in circles while belly laughing.

Radiation from atomic structures in Iran, to make em bald again. In other words: Handsome Men!

Our tank supply will not affect bra sizes.

Today I am going to feature men with real eyes and big hearts ready for loving right now!

The Jews are coming out ahead and that is good news for all, except a few knuckle heads.

Unqualified idiots wobble around basking in the shadows with big stupid grins while the walls collapse on them. This is war.

The hidden power structures are collapsing. People won't play those games anymore, even the power players.

The bell went off and fell, broke to bits as it hit, the time had come.

I would say the country areas of America are where the future of America is the most.

Today in the news: Bla bla bla, eh bla bla bla uh bla

There still is content control on social media in some areas, and it was mostly wise choices.