With a cohort of two dozen professionals and volunteers, the Federation was well-represented at the Jewish Public Affairs Committee’s (JPAC) annual Capitol Summit, in Sacramento in early May. Marking another record turnout, over 600 attendees convened to learn, network, and advocate on priority bills and budget requests for California’s 1.2 million Jewish residents. The two-day summit featured remarks from statewide officials and timely panel discussions, including Democracy and the Jewish Ethic, moderated by Federation President and Chief Executive Officer Joy Sisisky. The event culminated on the second day with participants walking the halls of the Legislature and advocating directly with almost every lawmaker or their staff.
A Brief History of JPAC and the Federation’s Ongoing Vital Role
Established in the 1970s for Jewish organizations to advocate for our community’s interests and values, JPAC has recently experienced exponential growth and visibility, reflecting the pressing need for organized communal advocacy at the State Capitol. As the Jewish community’s collective voice in Sacramento, JPAC now comprises 39 member organizations — ranging from family services agencies, Jewish community centers, and Federations, to single-issue groups advocating for causes like food security and the environment.
A core supporter and historic leader within JPAC, the Federation serves as one of its five Foundational Organizations and holds a permanent board seat. “We provide strategic partnership and significant financial support to JPAC to help enable its important and impactful work,” Federation Director of Community Partnerships and Grantmaking Nancy Appel shared. JPAC Executive Director David Bocarsly added, “Federation’s longstanding support for JPAC and the Capitol Summit is critical to our success. We value this partnership and all we are accomplishing together.”
Since 2024, the Federation has supported and amplified the participation of the Bay Area’s post-10/7 grassroots leadership at the Capitol Summit, recognizing their growing collective force in the Jewish communal landscape. This year, the Federation covered the registration fees for fifteen activists and sponsored the pre-Summit kickoff gathering for the Bay Area Center to Counter Antisemitism (BACCA), an umbrella organization supporting many of the grassroots groups and an important Federation grantee.
The Rapid Growth of the Summit
The striking growth of the Summit itself reflects the Jewish community’s recognition that effective, unified advocacy in Sacramento yields positive results. “It’s been inspiring, empowering, and humbling all at once to witness this success,” said Nancy, who has attended the Summit for many years. “Take just the meetings with legislators — over 110 advocacy meetings scheduled for a single afternoon. It is truly democracy in action and on a grand scale.”
“I was proud to lead the Federation’s delegation to JPAC’s Capitol Summit joining the hundreds of dedicated professionals and volunteers from across the state advocating for shared causes. I appreciate that two days in Sacramento may feel like a big commitment for many, but the deep and long-lasting impact that this empowering experience makes is worth it.”
– Federation President and Chief Executive Officer Joy Sisisky
The surge in attendance parallels the growing clout of the decade-old Legislative Jewish Caucus. Working closely with JPAC, the Caucus plays a crucial role in shaping policy and obtaining tangible results on matters reflecting Jewish issues and values, such as Holocaust and genocide education, nonprofit security grants, and vital social services for all Californians in need.
The Strength of Strategic Planning and Advocacy
The summit’s success hinges on meticulous planning, collaboration, and strategic messaging. David Green, Federation Managing Director, Community Impact, was a first-time participant this year. He was struck by the expertise and teamwork that define JPAC’s advocacy efforts. “There’s a very strong professional team leading this effort on behalf of the Jewish community throughout California. There is so much deliberation and caucusing ahead of time,” David explained. “Organizations are such friendly players, and Federation leaders like Joy Sisisky and Nancy Appel, and our board chair Laura Lauder are deeply involved in these conversations for months leading up to it.” Each year, JPAC member organizations undertake a meticulous review process assessing needs and policy priorities before voting on a slate of bills and budget requests to support. “The JPAC board takes the first vote and then conveys its recommendations to the full membership for a final vote. We undergo the same process to determine the Capitol Summit Priorities. As a permanent board member, the Federation plays an active and influential role in this process.”
This year’s priorities focused on countering antisemitism in K-12 schools and ethnic studies courses, improving access to Holocaust and genocide education resources, increasing assistance for aging Holocaust survivors, and providing food assistance for Californians in need.
The Last Word
When asked to sum up their 2025 JPAC Capitol Summit experience in one word or phrase, Nancy responded, “A force for good.” David concurred, adding, “My word is ‘uplifting.’”
For questions about the Federation’s advocacy work, contact Nancy Appel at NancyA@sfjcf.org
