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California State Senator Ben Allen has a documented relationship with pro-Israel advocacy and the Israel lobby through political contributions, his leadership roles in legislative caucuses, and his public statements and affiliations.
Campaign finance records indicate that “Ben Allen for Senate 2018” received direct contributions from entities and individuals identified with the Israel lobby. Total direct contributions from the Israel lobby to Ben Allen amounted to $88,600. Specific contributions from prominent donors identified as supporting pro-Israel advocacy and Zionist efforts include: Doris Fisher ($15,000, 2017-2019), Robert J. Fisher ($14,100, 2013-2025), William S. Fisher ($13,600, 2013-2017), and John J. Fisher ($12,900, 2013-2017). The California Jewish PAC also contributed $24,200 (2021-2025) and is described as a “primary vehicle for pro-Israel and Zionist advocacy and political influence within California state government”. Additionally, the California Jewish Legislative Caucus Leadership PAC contributed $8,800 in 2017, an entity described as the “political financing arm of a legislative caucus dedicated to promoting pro-Israel legislation, strengthening California-Israel ties, and countering anti-Zionism”.
Senator Allen was unanimously elected as Vice-Chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus in December 2016 and subsequently as Chair in December 2018. This caucus is described as promoting a “vibrant and liberated Jewish community”. As part of its activities, the Jewish Caucus has sponsored legislation such as AB 2844 in 2016, which prohibits the State of California from contracting with companies that participate in boycotting, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) targeting the State of Israel. The caucus also works to strengthen the State of California’s Memorandum of Understanding with Israel on shared interests like renewable energy, drought management, cybersecurity, and high-tech and bio-tech industries. As Vice-Chair, Senator Allen was also involved in securing state funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides financial support to organizations, including Jewish temples and schools, for physical security enhancements against hate-motivated violence.
Ben Allen has publicly articulated his support for Israel, stating, “I support Israel and I’ve supported it since the day it was founded”. He has also expressed the view that “many people that disguise their negative feelings toward Jews, disguise it as anti-Israel criticism, political criticism, when in fact what they really mean is that they don’t like Jews”. Allen is a member of the Kehillat Israel Congregation and has participated in leadership programs with the Jewish Federation and the Anti-Defamation League. He has also visited Israel multiple times. Following the October 7th attacks, Senator Allen visited Kibbutz K’far Aza in southern Israel with other legislators.
| Candidate | Years | Direct Contributions | Behested Payments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marc Berman | 2015 | $3,250 | $0 |