Breaking

California’s governor has signed legislation adding Judaism to the state’s official list of ethnic identities, marking a historic first recognition in the United States. The new law aims to address historical omissions and prevent discrimination against Jewish residents in government data collection systems.

Supporters of the measure argue it corrects a historical injustice and protects Jewish communities from exclusion in state databases and administrative systems. They contend the change will improve representation and prevent institutional discrimination.

However, civil rights organisations have raised concerns about the approach, warning it may create a “government registry of Jews” and arguing it fails to account for the diversity within the Jewish community. The debate reflects broader tensions over ethnic categorisation in official state systems.

Sources: Ynet, Walla, www.israelhayom.co.il, Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post