In a powerful address at the California State Assembly's Assembly Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia, a representative from the Jewish community highlighted the alarming rise of antisemitism and called for solidarity among diverse communities. The speaker emphasized that nearly one in five Jews in the U.S. are Jews of color, many of whom face poverty and vulnerability. This shared experience of being targeted by hate, particularly in light of recent violent incidents, underscores the urgent need for collective action against racism and xenophobia.

The representative detailed a troubling trend: antisemitic incidents in California have more than doubled over the past five years, with schools witnessing a staggering 623% increase in such events. This rise is attributed to a broader misunderstanding of Jewish identity, which is often reduced to a mere religion rather than recognizing the cultural and ethnic dimensions that many Jews embody. The speaker urged the legislature to take concrete steps, including passing protections for students and investing in educational programs that foster understanding.

The call to action was clear: combating hate must be a unified effort. The speaker invoked the words of historical figures like Emma Lazarus and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., reminding attendees that true liberation is interconnected. As the meeting progressed, the urgency for collaboration among communities to address and dismantle hate was palpable, setting the stage for future initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and safety for all.