"However, I oppose the proposed law (AB 715), based on hearing it equates criticism of Israel or Zionism with antisemitism. Individuals should not be mistreated for their identity or opinions, but the government of Israel and of the Zionist movement are fair game for criticism. I support the existence of Israel, but I am deeply troubled by the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza over the past 23 months and its Jewish settlements in the West Bank over many years,"
"Kudos to letter-writer Diana Mead for suggesting that California create an escrow agency to hold taxpayers' IRS payments until the Trump administration releases all the grants and contract dollars that have already been authorized and appropriated. Perhaps the California Franchise Tax Board could serve as that escrow agency. I wrote to my state Assembly member and state senator, encouraging them to create such escrow powers."
AB 715 is portrayed as equating criticism of Israel or Zionism with antisemitism, raising free-speech concerns while affirming that individuals must not be mistreated for identity or opinions. Support for Israel's existence is expressed alongside deep concern about Israeli government actions in Gaza and West Bank settlements that hinder Palestinian self-government. Equal protection and safety for Jewish people and Palestinians are advocated as prerequisites for lasting peace and security. A separate proposal urges California to create an escrow agency, possibly via the Franchise Tax Board, to hold taxpayer IRS payments until withheld federal grants and contracts are released.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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