California Jewish Leaders Call For Tougher Anti-Semitism Laws After Recent Incidents
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A growing feeling of anti-Semitism in the Sacramento region is leading several lawmakers to push for new and tougher laws.
The recent tagging of a Jewish fraternity in Davis and a Sacramento homeowner's display that includes a swastika directed at Israel has drawn national attention to the region.
Marty Block, the chairman of the Legislative Jewish Caucus, says it's about time lawmakers get involved before the recent vandalism turns violent.
"Today, the entire Sacramento community is going to come together to say we've had enough of this," Block said.
Block worked with Barry Broad, the president of Sacramento's Jewish Federation, to organize a rally against hate crimes.
"There's been some some ugly, ugly incidents at our universities and colleges," Broad said.
He plans to propose an anti-discrimination law at the statehouse.
The bill would require all student government bodies in California to take part in mandatory civil rights training.
"It's sad and pathetic that they don't now, that they don't understand the basic rules that our society lives by," Broad said.