LOS ANGELES — In response to the failure of Proposition 10 on the California ballot, Rabbi Joel Thal Simonds, Executive Director of the Jewish Center for Justice, released the following statement:
“The Jewish Center for Justice is troubled by the defeat of Proposition 10 in California, a ballot measure to repeal the grievous Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act and return the power to adopt rent control back to our cities and counties. The passage of such a measure would have been an important corrective to California’s very real housing crisis born out of skyrocketing rents, stagnant wages, and increased demand.
“Jewish tradition stresses the moral imperative to work for an economic system that is fair and ethical. In the book of Proverbs, we are commanded to “speak up, judge righteously, champion the poor and the needy.” While we are dismayed by the result of Prop 10, we will remain unwavering in our pursuit of ethical policies that work to serve — not denigrate — our state’s vulnerable and poor population.”
The Jewish Center for Justice is a social justice organization providing a platform for current and future Jewish leaders through education, leadership development and advocacy opportunities. Lead by Rabbi Joel Thal Simonds, JCJ empowers leaders to affect change on the ground in their communities and in our society as a whole.
While we are dismayed by the result of Prop 10, we will remain unwavering in our pursuit of ethical policies that work to serve — not denigrate — our state’s vulnerable and poor population. Share on X