The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee is challenging a new California law designed to protect Jewish students from discrimination. The federal complaint filed Sunday argues the law is unconstitutionally vague and violates free speech rights. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the legislation last month, creating an Office of Civil Rights to help schools identify and prevent antisemitism. The law doesn't define antisemitism, leading to concerns that educators might face charges for presenting materials critical of Israel. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of individual teachers and students in California public schools, and the Los Angeles Educators for Justice in Palestine.
Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed the Catholic Church's commitment to fighting antisemitism amid rising tensions from Israel's war in Gaza. On Wednesday, he marked the 60th anniversary of the "Nostra Aetate" declaration, which revolutionized Catholic-Jewish relations. Leo acknowledged past misunderstandings but emphasized the Church's Gospel-mandated friendship with Jews. He quoted the declaration, condemning antisemitism in all forms. The anniversary comes during a surge in antisemitism linked to Israel's military actions. Jewish leaders have expressed hope for the Vatican's continued strong stance against antisemitism, highlighting the Church's influential role.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a law aimed at combating antisemitism at schools. It creates an an Office of Civil Rights to work with districts on fighting discrimination and bias and requires an antisemitism prevention coordinator within the office to submit recommendations to the Legislature. Proponents say the law is needed to respond to an alarming level of harassment against Jewish students. But critics say it could unintentionally stifle instruction and open dialogue in the classroom. Lawmakers in several other states have tried to advance similar proposals.
The Anti-Defamation League says the number of antisemitic incidents in the United States reached a record high last year. The group's report released Tuesday notes that 58% of the 9,354 incidents related to Israel, notably chants, speeches and signs at rallies protesting Israeli policies. The ADL has produced annual tallies for 46 years. This is the first time Israel-related incidents comprised more than half the total. It says a key reason is widespread opposition to Israel's military response in Gaza after the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The ADL's findings add new grist to an intense debate among American Jews over the extent to which vehement criticism of Israeli policies and of Zionism should be considered antisemitic.
Columbia University, the epicenter of a last spring's campus movement against Israel's war in Gaza, is bracing for the return of protests this semester. As students returned to class Tuesday, administrators say they're seeking to deescalate tensions, while circulating new guidance on protests. But student organizers say they won't be deterred by the new rules and will continue their activism until their demands are met. A demonstration had already begun outside the campus Tuesday morning. Some Jewish students, meanwhile, have accused the university of being too lenient with the student protesters. A spokesperson for Columbia said they were prepared for a range of scenarios, with a focus on maintaining the academic and research operations of the university.
