Empowering current and future leaders to build a more compassionate and just society
The Jewish Center for Justice is a distinguished social justice, education, and leadership development platform that meets each individual where they are in their journey to inspire change.
The Micah D. Bycel Fund for Legislative Fellows
On August 27, 2022, the Jewish Center for Justice community suffered a devastating loss with the sudden and untimely death of Board Member Micah Bycel (z”l).
The JCJ community has created a special fund to honor Micah’s memory and secure his legacy. Micah was a kind and compassionate soul. He saw a broken world and was determined to make it better for his kids and the next generation. In his honor, The Micah D. Bycel Fund for Legislative Fellows will help shape the next generation of Jewish justice activists.
In addition to the Fund, we have renamed the program, The Micah D. Bycel Legislative Fellowship. All future fellows will learn of Micah’s memory and advocate for justice in his honor.
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Take Action : Unbiased Investigations for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Victims
Take ACTION by contacting your State Legislators and encouraging them to vote for AB 2119 to ensure all sexual assault or domestic violence victims receive an unbiased case investigation.
- Find your California Assembly Member and Senator!
Sample script:
Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I’m calling as a member of the Jewish Center for Justice in zip code [your zip code].
I am urging [name of representative] to vote for AB 2119, which would ensure that every victim of sexual assault or domestic violence has the right to a fair, unbiased, and complete investigation by law enforcement regardless of the victim’s gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, race or ethnicity, disability, immigration status, or relationship to the alleged perpetrator. AB 2119 is incredibly important because every victim deserves access to the same support no matter their background, the color of their skin, or the pronouns they use. If AB 2119 were to pass, it would strengthen protections for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence by requiring gender-neutral investigations, expanding officer training, creating a process for case reviews, and increasing accountability when bias occurs.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
AB 2119 would:
- Require law enforcement to investigate sexual assault and domestic violence cases fairly and without gender bias, ensuring equal treatment for all victims.
- Require additional training on trauma-informed, gender-inclusive investigations and establish a process for victims to request a district attorney review if they believe their case was mishandled.
- Increase accountability by requiring public education on gender bias and allowing victims to bring civil claims when their rights under the law are violated.
Why is JCJ advocating for unbiased investigations for sexual assault and domestic violence victims?
JCJ is committed to dismantling systemic racism, advocating for civil rights, and ensuring equal treatment under the law for all communities. Through the Jewish value of Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof (Justice, justice you shall pursue), we are compelled to fight for justice for all no matter someone’s skin color, gender, ethnicity, or any other personal identifier. Guided by this principle, the Jewish Center for Justice stands strongly in support of Ab 2119, legislation that would ensure equal support for every victim.
Additional Resources:
Take Action : Protect Excused Absences for Religious Observances
Take ACTION by contacting your State Legislators and encouraging them to vote for AB 1763 to ensure students can receive excused absences for religious holidays and ceremonies. Find your California Assembly Member and Senator! Sample script: Hello, my name is [Your...
Take Action : Prohibit California Peace Officers From Also Working in Immigration Enforcement
Take ACTION by contacting your State Legislators and encouraging them to support AB 1537 to prohibit California peace officers from working second jobs that involve federal immigration enforcement Find your California Assembly Member and Senator! Sample script: Hello,...
