California Becomes First US State to Recognize Jewish Identity as an Ethnicity

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill on Wednesday making California the first US state to officially recognize Jewish identity as an ethnic group. The legislation adds Jewish identity to a list of approximately 50 distinct groups recognized by the state for data collection and policy formulation.

Implementation and Objectives

Authored by State Senator Henry Stern, the new law mandates that government forms—such as unemployment claims or hate crime reports—be updated to include the new classification. The move is designed to provide more accurate data for tracking antisemitic incidents and to reflect the identity of secular Jews who view Judaism as a historical and cultural affiliation rather than solely a religious belief.

David Bocarsly, executive director of the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC), welcomed the approval, calling it a historic step for the community. Critics and progressive organizations, however, have raised concerns regarding the classification.

"This is a historic step for our community," stated Bocarsly, emphasizing the importance of inclusion in government demographic datasets.

Criticism and Additional Legislation

Despite passing the legislature without a single opposing vote, the measure drew criticism from progressive groups such as Jewish Voice for Peace and Bend the Arc. Opponents argued that creating a unified ethnic category ignores the vast diversity within the community and establishes a government registry mechanism for Jewish citizens.

Alongside this bill, Governor Newsom approved five additional measures concerning the Jewish community, including:

• Prohibiting unauthorized approach or obstruction near houses of worship.

• Granting excused absences for students observing religious holidays.

• Expanding security grants for community events outside of official buildings.

• Preventing the publication of inflammatory content in the state's voter guides.

The new laws will take effect early next year, with state agencies given two years to complete updates to their information systems.