The Jewish community in Orange County is broad and diverse, united by a shared commitment to improving the world while recognizing many perspectives on how best to achieve it. American democracy similarly challenges us to engage actively in building a better future. In this post-election period, we are called to come together, stay focused, and approach the opportunities and challenges before us with clarity and resolve.
As we move forward with hope and goodwill toward all members of our community, we cannot ignore the troubling rise in antisemitism—a dangerous reality that threatens not only Jewish Orange County but also the democratic ideals we all hold dear. History has shown that hatred toward any group undermines the values of justice, equality, and freedom that are essential to a healthy, inclusive society. Today, antisemitism is emerging from all sides in both traditional and new forms. Jewish Federation of Orange County (JFedOC) remains fully committed to countering this threat, strengthening our community, and building alliances that foster understanding and unity across Orange County. This is a complex mission, and as resources allow, JFedOC and its Rose Project continue developing initiatives to engage both Jewish and non-Jewish organizations in this work.
Antisemitism and attempts to delegitimize Israel take many forms locally. They manifest in K-12 and higher education, in resolutions within local government that mask hostility toward Jews and Israel under the guise of human rights, and in traditional and social media. Different organizations address different aspects of antisemitism, and JFedOC and its Rose Project focus on areas where we can make the greatest impact while building strong, ongoing community relations.
For example, antisemitism is becoming normalized and embedded in K-12 school curricula. Our response to this issue is a multipronged approach designed to disrupt antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiment at its roots. Built on three core functions, this initiative is structured to create long-lasting change by prioritizing educational impact and community awareness:
- Cultivating Relationships with Educational Leaders: We work directly with school superintendents and administrators to establish long-term partnerships, ensuring curriculum content is aligned with values of inclusivity and accuracy. These partnerships are especially critical given California’s AB101 law, which mandates ethnic studies as a high school graduation requirement.
- Providing Professional Development for Educators: Through specialized training, we equip teachers and curriculum developers to understand the history of antisemitism, the Jewish American experience, and contemporary antisemitism. In partnership with school districts, we offer resources that promote content fostering a clear understanding among educators, ultimately helping to create classrooms where diversity and respect are prioritized.
- Fostering Peer-to-Peer Understanding Among Students: Programs like Student to Student use peer-led education to dispel common antisemitic stereotypes and foster empathy. Through this initiative, more than sixty teen ambassadors engage with thousands of their peers across Orange County, sharing the richness of Jewish history and culture. By centering narratives on Jewish pride, we are planting seeds of respect and inclusivity that will benefit the community for years to come, creating more inclusive, respectful campus climates.
Recognizing that antisemitism is often learned at home and in the workplace, we also work beyond schools to engage community leaders through the Rose Ambassador Program. This initiative trains leaders to foster inclusive spaces and advocate against hate, offering a network of resources that promote tolerance countywide. Our Power of One Community Toolkit and additional community resources are available to help community members address antisemitism and become advocates for change at every level.
We are not a political organization, but we remain clear-eyed and vigilant on emerging issues that could harm Jews in Orange County. Alongside our foundational efforts, we address immediate concerns. We are firmly opposed to Gaza City Mayor Yahya Sarraj’s suggestion of a Sister City relationship between Irvine and Gaza City. Sarraj, who was appointed by Hamas—a U.S.-designated terrorist organization—has made an offensive proposal that the City of Irvine has rightly ignored. We applaud Irvine’s stance and will continue to ensure that such unacceptable ideas never gain traction in Orange County. Additionally, we work closely with the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee to monitor and ensure that local educational content, including curriculum in Santa Ana Unified School District, accurately represents Israel and the Middle East.
As we look to the future, our actions reflect values that have guided the Jewish people for generations. Rabbi Hillel’s timeless words echo this commitment: If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And, if not now, when?
We invite every member of our community to stand with us—to protect our shared values, combat antisemitism, and ensure that Orange County remains a place of mutual respect and understanding for all. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and democratic society.
To learn more about our work, visit our website.
