Here’s why Bend the Arc volunteers across California have been in this fight for more than a year:
Money bail violates our Jewish values.
An unequal system of justice is ruining lives, like Kenneth’s. Our Jewish values tell us that when a law is unjust, when it perpetuates racism, and when it denies humans their inherent dignity, it’s our responsibility to change it.
Our contribution as Jews to this effort is unique and strategic.
Legislators and partners have told us time and again: we didn’t know the Jewish community cared about criminal justice reform issues.
When we bring the Jewish community to this fight, we show our state that there’s a broad base of constituents who demand money bail reform.
We’re part of a national criminal justice revolution.
California’s fight for money bail reform is igniting a movement across the country.
With local reform efforts happening from North Carolina to New York, and a federal bill with bipartisan support, we’re leading the way to fight President Trump’s and Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ regressive law and order agenda.
To radically change our criminal justice system, we need everyone in the Jewish community to add their voice to our moral outcry. I hope you can be one of those voices.
Help us reach 1,000 signatures: add your name to our petition for bail reform in California before we deliver it this month.
PS: Need a refresher on why money bail reform is the pressing criminal justice issue of our time? Read 10 things you need to know about money bail and then join the fight by signing our petition.
Sources:
1. LA Times, He stole $5 and a bottle of cologne. His bail was set at $350,000
