(California, July 26, 2020)
Progressive Zionists of California (PZC) secured a number of legislative victories, including the passage of two resolutions sponsored by PZC members, at the California Democratic Party (CDP) Executive Board meeting on Saturday and Sunday.
One resolution condemns the “Deadly Exchange” campaign’s antisemitic propaganda championed by anti-Israel groups as an explanation for American police brutality, and one affirms the need for Israeli and Palestinian leaders to reject unilateral actions and return to direct, mutual negotiations.
The resolution condemning “Deadly Exchange” calls out blatantly antisemitic lies about American law enforcement exchange programs and reiterates that antisemitism is unacceptable in the CDP. It also says “ the California Democratic Party affirms its commitment to, and encourages others to focus on solutions that genuinely and fundamentally restructure public safety so as to end the scourge of police brutality, transforming racist oppressive institutions that disproportionately harm people of color, and effectively combating white supremacy.”
The other resolution condemns two actions that would harm prospects for a two-state solution: a Palestinian right of return and attempts by Israeli leadership to unilaterally annex the West Bank. In November 2019, anti-Israel groups attempted — and decisively failed — to insert language supporting a unilateral Palestinian right of return in the CDP platform. An estimated 75 percent of delegates rejected the effort, recognizing that advocacy from fringe anti-Israel groups like Jewish Voice for Peace harms prospects for peace. This resolution says, “Many activists have demanded a unilateral “Right of Return” into Israel…without meeting the other requirements of the non-binding resolution [194] or any mutually negotiated settlement.”
PZC Executive Director Susan George said: “We are delighted to see the California Democratic Party reject antisemitic conspiracy theories and affirm its commitment to a two-state solution, achieved through fair and direct negotiations. Progressive Zionists of California is grateful to our activist allies and supporters for their guidance and support. We will continue our work to encourage unity and solidarity within the Democratic Party by rooting out antisemitism that marginalizes Jews on the left.”
About Progressive Zionists of California
Progressive Zionists of California is a grassroots collective of activists and California Democratic Party leaders dedicated to reshaping the discourse around Zionism and antisemitism in California Democratic politics. PZC educates activists about antisemitism and intersectional Zionism with a firm commitment to Palestinian statehood. Our constituents advocate for pragmatic progressive platforms, resolutions, and legislation around domestic and Israel-related issues.