Democrats for Israel California changes name to California Jewish Democrats

We want to share some updates regarding our California Democratic Party’s chartered organization for outreach to the Jewish community.  As far back as November 2023, the Democrats for Israel California Board made a recommendation to change our name to California Jewish Democrats.  Based on a vote of the membership in December 2024, the recommendation was ratified with 67% of the vote – a first step towards changing our name.  The name change will be formally adopted at the California Democratic Party Convention this coming May.

This forthcoming name change will not change our commitment of support to Israel as a Jewish Democratic State.  Support for Israel as a Jewish, democratic state is enshrined in our bylaws as one of the purposes of the organization.

We decided to change the name for a number of reasons: 

Underscoring our multi-issue focus: A major issue for us has been perceptions that we are a one-issue club focused solely on Israel, making it difficult to address other issues of importance such as combating antisemitism not related to Israel, opposing "Liberated" ethnic studies programs that violate state antisemitism guardrails, and activism around other issues of importance to the Jewish community (including hunger, housing, climate change, reproductive rights) – values and priorities that make us Democrats and were the genesis of our charted club.  

Positioning for greater expansion: Following the models of partisan-Pro Israel/Jewish groups nationally and in other states such as Jewish Democratic Council of America and the North Carolina, New Jersey, Florida and Pennsylvania Jewish Caucuses and Democratic mobilization groups, we feel this change positions us better to increase outreach into areas where there is a great interest in our mission of getting the mainstream Jewish community to the table of Democratic politics through county-chartered Democratic clubs.  

Alignment with our chartered clubs: Of our 7 currently chartered clubs, five are identified as Jewish Democratic clubs, with Los Angeles and Orange County named  “Democrats for Israel (the similar names also caused some confusion by volunteers and supporters).

As we go through this process, know that our commitment to Israel's security and safety stands strong.  We appreciate your continued support and involvement – with our vibrant statewide council of clubs and the greater Jewish community.  Now, more than ever. Thank you.