JOINT STATEMENT: Antisemitic Rhetoric in Berkeley We are deeply alarmed by the growing normalization of antisemitic and hateful rhetoric in Berkeley in the discourse surrounding the upcoming election. Tolerating language that amplifies conspiracy theories and incites hostility toward historically marginalized communities threatens the safety and well-being of all residents, not just our Jewish community. At a time of heightened polarization, elevating extremist rhetoric that deliberately sows division undermines the mutual respect and civil discourse essential to a healthy, inclusive society. Recent reporting on a “Zionist takeover” of the City Council and accusations that Bay Area Jewish institutions, representing tens of thousands of local families, are "foreign lobby groups,” are highly offensive and dangerous. Most alarmingly, a social media post by a local activist group using the term “zionazi” to describe a former council member received likes from several candidates for office. By equating Zionism with Nazism, the authors are weaponizing the Holocaust against Jews and demonizing Jewish identity and connections to Israel. Such language does nothing to advance legitimate political discourse or constructive criticism of Israeli government policies. Instead, it perpetuates antisemitic stereotypes, dehumanizes Jewish people, and contributes to an environment in which harassment has become more acceptable. History has repeatedly demonstrated the devastating consequences of allowing hateful and threatening rhetoric to go unchallenged. Words matter, particularly when amplified by individuals in positions of influence. We call on Berkeley’s civic, community, elected leaders and candidates for public office to speak out against this rhetoric and unequivocally reject antisemitism and all forms of hate. -JCRC Bay Area, Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Netivot Shalom, JCC East Bay, @jfcseastbay, @jewishbayarea-

Three years later, we still carry the grief of October 7: the 1,200 people killed, the 251 taken hostage, the thousands injured, and the countless survivors and families whose lives were forever changed by the Hamas terror attacks. That day left an indelible mark on Israel and the Jewish people, and its pain remains with us. 💙 We remember the young people dancing at the Nova Music Festival, the families living peacefully on kibbutzim, and the parents, children, grandparents, and friends murdered in their homes. We remember those who gave their lives trying to save others, the hostages who endured unimaginable suffering, and those who never returned home alive. Here in the Bay Area, October 7 is deeply personal. Many in our community had relatives or friends in Israel that day. Some lost loved ones. In the years since, we have grieved together, held one another up, and found the strength to keep showing up for Jewish life and for each other. Today, JCRC joins our community in mourning and remembrance. May the memories of those we lost be a blessing. May their families know that they are not alone, and that we will never forget. If you’re looking for a place to memorialize October 7 alongside others, visit our website to find a commemoration near you: jcrc.org/blog/october7

What should Bay Area Jews know about the DSA and their political ambitions? Learn more below ⬇️