Assembly adopts ACR 195, marks Jewish American Heritage Month and honors 14 Californians
May 18, 2026 | California State Assembly, House, Legislative, California
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The California State Assembly on May 7 adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution 195 to formally observe Jewish American Heritage Month and honored 14 Californians for their civic and cultural contributions.
Rabbi Mona Alfie of Congregation B'nai Israel opened the session with a prayer that traced Jewish migration to California and praised the state’s religious and cultural diversity. "May California continue to be a golden Medina, a land of opportunity, freedom, and prosperity for all who seek to call California their home," she said.
Assemblymember Gabriel, who presented the resolution on behalf of the Legislative Jewish Caucus, described the observance as overdue and urged colleagues to recognize both the community's long history in the state and current safety concerns. Gabriel referenced reports of an incident in San Diego while expressing solidarity with affected communities and said the ceremony offered an opportunity to teach values such as tzedakah and tikkun olam.
Members representing multiple caucuses — including the Women's Caucus, Black Caucus, Latino Caucus, Native American Caucus and the Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus — spoke in support of the resolution, tying the recognition to efforts to counter antisemitism and to build coalitions across communities.
The clerk reported 67 co‑authors on the measure before the Assembly took a voice vote; the presiding officer announced that "the ayes have it" and declared the resolution adopted. Following adoption, the chamber called forward 14 honorees — community leaders, nonprofit directors, clergy and cultural figures — and recognized each with brief introductions and a group photo.
The Assembly noted that the recognition is the body's first formal observation of Jewish American Heritage Month and distributed small tzedakah boxes to members as a teaching token of the Jewish value of charity and justice. The ceremony concluded with applause and a photo of the honorees on the Assembly floor.
The resolution was adopted during the floor session; no further action is required for this ceremonial recognition.
Rabbi Mona Alfie of Congregation B'nai Israel opened the session with a prayer that traced Jewish migration to California and praised the state’s religious and cultural diversity. "May California continue to be a golden Medina, a land of opportunity, freedom, and prosperity for all who seek to call California their home," she said.
Assemblymember Gabriel, who presented the resolution on behalf of the Legislative Jewish Caucus, described the observance as overdue and urged colleagues to recognize both the community's long history in the state and current safety concerns. Gabriel referenced reports of an incident in San Diego while expressing solidarity with affected communities and said the ceremony offered an opportunity to teach values such as tzedakah and tikkun olam.
Members representing multiple caucuses — including the Women's Caucus, Black Caucus, Latino Caucus, Native American Caucus and the Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus — spoke in support of the resolution, tying the recognition to efforts to counter antisemitism and to build coalitions across communities.
The clerk reported 67 co‑authors on the measure before the Assembly took a voice vote; the presiding officer announced that "the ayes have it" and declared the resolution adopted. Following adoption, the chamber called forward 14 honorees — community leaders, nonprofit directors, clergy and cultural figures — and recognized each with brief introductions and a group photo.
The Assembly noted that the recognition is the body's first formal observation of Jewish American Heritage Month and distributed small tzedakah boxes to members as a teaching token of the Jewish value of charity and justice. The ceremony concluded with applause and a photo of the honorees on the Assembly floor.
The resolution was adopted during the floor session; no further action is required for this ceremonial recognition.
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