Calls Grow to Hold California Mayor Accountable for Antisemitic Remarks

As Jewish families around the world mourned the victims of the horrific terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, one California mayor chose to spread blame not on the terrorists, but on the Jewish people themselves.

Mayor Eduardo Martinez of Richmond, California, responded to the massacre not with compassion, but with antisemitic conspiracy theories, accusing Jews and the State of Israel of orchestrating violence against themselves. At a moment when moral clarity was most needed, he offered none.

This was no slip of the tongue or poorly chosen phrase. It was a blatant endorsement of hate, delivered from a position of public trust.

At a time when Jews are facing rising violence, threats, and intimidation from extremists emboldened by silence and inaction, public officials must lead with integrity and responsibility. The words of leaders have power. When those words spread antisemitic lies, they endanger Jewish lives.

Blaming Jews for terrorism against Jews is not “critique of Israel” it is antisemitism, plain and dangerous. It echoes centuries-old blood libels and conspiracies that have cost Jewish communities dearly.

The silence from Richmond’s city leadership in the face of this incitement is deeply troubling. By failing to immediately condemn Mayor Martinez’s remarks, the City Council risks signaling that such hate speech is acceptable under the guise of politics.

This cannot stand.

Mayor Martinez must resign. Richmond’s City Council must act swiftly to censure him and reaffirm the city’s commitment to protecting all its residents especially those who are targeted by hate.

Jewish families in Richmond, across America, and around the world are watching. They are asking who will stand up for us when it matters most?

Let the answer be clear.

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