Our elected officials regularly consider legislation that impacts the Jewish community. We work together with them to advocate for policy that impacts Jewish families, our community, and Israel.
We build relationships with policymakers at the local, state and federal levels of government, and educate them on policy issues important to the Jewish community. Advocacy areas include access to social services, ensuring a safe and secure state of Israel, and protecting vulnerable populations from hatred and bigotry. As a result, our elected representatives understand and support the Jewish community, and the key issues we present.
Here are just a few examples of our success:
- Passed the California Combatting BDS Act of 2016 (AB 2844).
This law prevents businesses from participating in discriminatory boycotts against Israel. As a result, companies must certify they do not violate state civil rights law in the course of boycotting a sovereign nation recognized by the United States. - Doubled the size of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
In response to increasing threats to Jewish institutions around the globe, we worked with our elected officials and partner organizations to allocate an additional $2 million in the state budget to support security enhancements for nonprofit organizations that face the risk of hate-motivated violence. - Hosted candidate salons for elections and ballot measures
As a convener of the Jewish community, we provide this opportunity for voters to hear directly from candidates for public office about issues relevant to their neighborhoods and the Jewish community.
- Lead week-long trips to Israel for elected officials
Through these trips, we strengthen relationships between Los Angeles, California, and the State of Israel, foster trade, security, and inter-cultural relations.
- Work with the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC)
This relationship allows us to advocate on traditional community concerns and shared values, such as preventing anti-Semitism on college campuses, Iran divestment and promoting the California-Israel relationship.