You Are Not Alone

You Are Not Alone

Rick Chavez Zbur | CA Assemblymember District 51; Member, CA Jewish Legislative Caucus

Introduction by Deborah K. Goldfarb | CEO, Jewish Long Beach

Over the past year, the fears of the Jewish community have been raised due to the dramatic escalation of antisemitism in our state and country. While it is important to educate regarding the evils of antisemitism, the hate and mistruths that are spread, and advocate on behalf of the Jewish community, I would suggest that it is equally important for our community to seek allies who understand these sensibilities.

One of the mechanisms through which Jewish Long Beach does this is through our partnership with the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC). As a member and funder of JPAC, we participate in statewide efforts to build coalitions to further legislation and educational efforts that counter antisemitism.

Through our relationship with JPAC we have also built a relationship with the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. The Caucus, composed of both Jewish and non-Jewish senators and assemblymembers, is committed to being a Jewish voice for justice, equality, and progress. Of the 19 members of the Jewish Legislative caucus, 13 are Jewish and 6 have strong Jewish familiar or personal connections. The JPAC and the Legislative Jewish Caucus coalition is an integral part of building much needed allies for the Jewish community in California.

On September 26, Assemblymember Rick Zbur along with Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal had planned to give a presentation to over 75 community members on the Importance of Allyship in Fighting Antisemitism. The workshop was part of a three-part series about antisemitism education awareness, and activism in partnership with Temple Israel. Mr. Zbur and Mr. Lowenthal's workshop outlined their joint work on the California Jewish Legislative Caucus and calls to action for passionate community members looking for ways to show their support. Unfortunately, the workshop had to be postponed due to an unforeseen assembly session, and we look forward to welcoming them back in the future. We are proud to present this statement from Rick Chavez Zbur, Assembly 51, on his thoughts on allyship.

I am not Jewish, but I am proud to consider myself an ally to the Jewish community.

The importance of allyship is nothing new to me. As a gay man coming of age in the 1980s, during the early stages of the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, I remember how important – and at times scarce – our non-LGBTQ+ allies were as we fought for basic dignity and civil rights. In those early days, we needed our allies to make decision-makers pay attention – and to help us change hearts and minds. And as the AIDS crisis ravaged our community, allyship literally meant the difference between life and death.

In my work to secure the civil rights of the LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities as Executive Director of Equality California, I was fortunate to witness firsthand the incredible dedication and generosity of members of the Jewish community – and the meaning of Tikkun Olam.

For Equality California and the LGBTQ+ movement, members of the Jewish community were always among our strongest allies. In fact, most of our non-LGBTQ+ board members – and some of our most active members – were Jewish allies. Motivated by the simple yet profound desire to right injustices, they taught me again what allyship means. And that same drive has motivated so many from the Jewish community to selflessly dedicate themselves to the causes of social justice and civil rights throughout history.

The Jewish community deserves strong allies in the fight against antisemitism; however, the painful void in allyship following the horrific 10/7 Hamas terrorist attack continues to shock and disappoint me. Still, I have also had the opportunity to witness the resilience of the Jewish People—in my district, across California, and in Israel—and the unwavering dedication of millions of allies, who are standing up as the Jewish community deserves.

As we pass the anniversary of 10/7, I am reminded of the importance of allyship and my responsibility to stand up for Jewish people when they are under attack. I call on everyone, especially those in positions of influence, to meet this moment and step up as allies to the Jewish community.

To the Jewish community, I say, you are not alone.

Assemblymember Zbur represents District 51 which includes Santa Monica, and parts of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood and Hollywood. He is also a proud member of the California Jewish Caucus.