LA's Jewish Community Fears Division Amid Rising Antisemitism
The Jewish community in Los Angeles, traditionally a voice of diplomacy city-wide, faces challenges amidst rising antisemitism. Council District 5, established post-World War II, is now at risk of being divided again, raising concerns about representation and unity.
Historically, the Jewish Councilmember and their staff have been the driving force behind positive diplomacy for the Jewish community. However, recent years have seen a surge in anti-Jewish sentiment and hate acts, with LAPD statistics showing the highest prevalence among any religion. This alarming trend has been echoed by a 2019 poll, where 75% of Jewish respondents in LA County expressed serious concerns about rising antisemitism.
Discrimination against Jews was once widespread in Los Angeles, affecting housing, employment, and education. The Voting Rights Act of 1964 and 1965 was a significant stride in addressing this issue, but voter suppression persists today, targeting minority communities. This is not a new phenomenon; the American constitution initially gave states the right to decide voting rights, leading to many states denying Jews and other minorities the right to vote until the early-19th century.
In 2021, the LA City's Redistricting Commission proposed maps that would have divided the Jewish community into three different districts, diluting their collective voice. The final map by the Commission kept these neighborhoods together, but the LA City Council is now considering new maps that could potentially divide the Jewish community again. The identity of the person who made the request to LA City Council President Nury Martinez and Mayor Eric Garcetti regarding the 2021 redistricting remains undisclosed.
The Jewish community in Los Angeles, once divided by discrimination and voter suppression, has since found unity and a collective voice in Council District 5. The potential division of this community raises concerns about representation and the preservation of hard-won rights. As the LA City Council considers new maps, the Jewish community and its allies await the outcome, hoping for a future that respects their unity and voice.
