Governor Newsom Signs AB 1185 (Gabriel), Expanding Security Grants

There are still no words to alleviate the heartache we feel with each new headline coming from Israel. But we continue to be fortunate for the support of our leaders here in California. Antisemitism and hate-motivated violence targeting vulnerable communities surpassed record levels before the events of this past weekend, and we anticipate the ongoing war will reverberate here at home. It has never been more important to provide security assistance to targeted institutions.

Governor Newsom just signed our bill to do that.

Authored by our dear friend Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, AB 1185 expands the Nonprofit Security Grant Program so that state funds can be directed to organizations that offer security trainings, vulnerability assessments, mass notification alert systems, and other lifesaving emergency resources for at-risk institutions.

“California will not stand idly by while our vulnerable communities are targeted by violent extremists,” said Assemblymember Gabriel. “This legislation will strengthen our ability to target security resources where they are most needed and make it clear that California stands with all communities targeted by hate. I am grateful to Governor Newsom for his leadership in addressing hate crimes and standing up to violent extremists.”

Our Jewish Federations provide this critical security assistance for many synagogues across California. Now, the State will support these programs and help expand their reach. Our partners in the AAPI, LGBTQ, and other vulnerable communities will also be able to access these funds to build a similar security apparatus. 

Thank you to all of those who made calls, sent emails, signed our action alerts, and joined us at JPAC Capitol Summit to lobby on behalf of this bill.

This has been a yearlong effort and top priority for JPAC and our partners at the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, JCRC Bay Area, and San Francisco's Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund.

We offer a special thanks to Assemblymember Gabriel and the Jewish Caucus for continuing to shape and reshape the state's preeminent security program to most effectively serve Jewish and all vulnerable communities, and to Governor Newsom for his consistent support.

Please join us in thanking our state leaders for their support.

In this scary time of rising antisemitic and hate violence, this new law is a game-changer for the security of all vulnerable communities.



In Other News...

• Please continue to share and thank our elected leaders who are offering words of support for Israel and our community. You can find our list from last night here, and stay updated on new statements on our feed.

• Nine JPAC priority bills have now been enacted in 2023! We also had two big budget wins (security grants & holocaust education), and four bills remain on the Governor's desk. He has until October 14th to sign or veto all remaining bills. You can track the status of our policy agenda here.

• Our Executive Director David Bocarsly, LA Jewish Federation's Rabbi Noah Farkas, and JCRC Bay Area's Tye Gregory penned an op-ed about the California ethnic studies curriculum and why it should be embraced. Read the piece in The Jerusalem Post here.

• Apply now and share widely: The Nonprofit Security Grant application deadline was extended until October 27th. We were concerned that the initial deadline landed in the heart of the Jewish holidays, and CalOES responded to our feedback. Apply now.