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Jewish News 24 · Sep 1, 2026

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California would allow Jews to voluntarily identify their Jewish heritage on state forms under a bill the state Legislature passed Monday.The bill, which lawmakers sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk, would require state agencies that collect demographic information to add “Jewish” as an option for ethnicity or ancestry. The goal is to give state officials and researchers better data on Jewish Californians, including their unemployment rates and representation in schools. The data would enable lawmakers to create policies that address the needs of Jews in the state, said David Bocarsly, CEO of Jewish California, an advocacy group.

California would allow Jews to voluntarily identify their Jewish heritage on state forms under a bill the state Legislature passed Monday.The bill, which lawmakers sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk, would require state agencies that collect demographic information to add “Jewish” as an option for ethnicity or ancestry. The goal is to give state officials and researchers better data on Jewish Californians, including their unemployment rates and representation in schools. The data would enable lawmakers to create policies that address the needs of Jews in the state, said David Bocarsly, CEO of Jewish California, an advocacy group.

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