Sep 02, 2026

Jewish News Today: California Moves to Recognise 'Jewish' as an Ethnicity as Germany's Far Right Nears a Historic Win

California lawmakers gave final approval to a bill that would make the state the first to recognise "Jewish" as an ethnic identity in official data, sending it to Governor Gavin Newsom. In Germany, the far-right AfD is heading towards a historic win in Saxony-Anhalt, raising concern among Jewish observers, while in the US, Vice President JD Vance courted Jewish Republicans in Las Vegas.

California Bill Would Deem "Jewish" an Ethnicity

California's State Assembly and Senate gave final approval to SB 1387, which would expand the definition of ethnicity "to include Jewish identity" in state demographic data collection, JTA reported. If signed, state agency forms that allow voluntary disclosure of ethnicity or race would also have to offer a "Jewish" option. Governor Gavin Newsom has until September 30 to sign or veto the bills passed in the session, which also included measures addressing antisemitism and religious observance.

Germany: What a Far-Right Win in Saxony-Anhalt Could Mean for Jews

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is polling at over 40% ahead of the September 6 election in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, about 20 points ahead of the CDU, according to JTA. A victory would deliver the first far-right government of a German state since World War II. JTA reports that the party has proposed defunding "anti-German art" and teaching children less about the Nazi past.

Vance Courts Jewish Republicans in Las Vegas

Vice President JD Vance stressed the importance of the US-Israel relationship at the Republican Jewish Coalition's annual summit, but sidestepped a question about podcasters such as Tucker Carlson, JTA reported. He received standing ovations as he arrived and left, while some donors have indicated they would prefer Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the 2028 nominee.

Spain's Prime Minister Blames Israel and Russia for Disinformation

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Israel and Russia organised online disinformation campaigns against his government after a mass migrant crossing into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, JTA reported. Sánchez said the governments were motivated by Spain's criticism of Israel over Gaza and of Russia over Ukraine.

Northeast Philadelphia Loses Its Last Jewish Deli

Steve Stein's Famous Deli and Restaurant has closed, leaving Northeast Philadelphia — once an epicentre of Jewish life — without a Jewish deli, JTA reported. "I knew I was liked. I didn't know I was loved," said the 83-year-old owner after an outpouring of affection from longtime customers.

The Forward Names Julie Moos as Editor

The Forward has named Julie Moos, who joined the publication in 2024 as an audience editor, as its editor in chief and chief content officer, JTA reported.