Contributor Report: Kastelman, Dorene
Let us know if you spot an inaccuracy: trackjpac@gmail.com
Dorene Kastelman is a California-based political activist and donor primarily active within the Democratic Party. Her documented relationship to the Israel lobby and pro-Israel advocacy is characterized by leadership roles in regional and statewide Jewish Democratic organizations that explicitly link Democratic political support to pro-Israel stances.
1. Leadership in Pro-Israel Political Organizations
Kastelman serves in key leadership positions for organizations that function as intermediaries between the Democratic Party and the pro-Israel community:
- President, Jewish Democratic Coalition of the Bay Area (JDCBA): Also known as the Jewish Democratic Club of Silicon Valley, this organization explicitly states its mission is to “advocate for the election of Democratic candidates who support the Jewish and Pro-Israel community” and to defend a “secure Israel within the Democratic Party” (SCCDP (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation), Jewish Insider (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)).
- President, California Jewish Democrats (CJD / DFI-CA): Kastelman is the President of this statewide chartered council (2026-2028 term), which describes itself as the “bridge between the California Democratic Party and the Jewish and pro-Israel communities.” The group’s stated commitments include “supporting the right of Israel to exist as a peaceful, democratic and pluralistic Jewish state” (DFI-CA (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)).
2. Political Advocacy and Candidate “Grading”
In her capacity as a leader of these organizations, Kastelman actively monitors and influences the positions of Democratic candidates regarding Israel:
- Candidate Endorsements: In the 2024 Silicon Valley congressional race, Kastelman led the JDCBA endorsement committee, which used detailed questionnaires to evaluate candidates on their support for Israel. She stated the group’s endorsement of Joe Simitian was based on his “long-standing relationships with Jewish and pro-Israel leaders” and the critical need for a representative who can combat “anti-Israel hate” (Jewish Insider (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)).
- Accountability and Grading: Kastelman’s organization, DFI-CA, issues “grades” to Democratic candidates based on their positions on Israel, the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, and antisemitism. She has publicly engaged with high-profile politicians, such as Representative Barbara Lee, to “clarify her support for Israel” (J Weekly (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)).
3. Direct Advocacy and Solidarity Missions
Beyond electoral politics, Kastelman is involved in direct advocacy and visibility efforts for Israeli causes:
- Israel Solidarity Mission: In February 2024, following the October 7 attacks, Kastelman participated in a “mission of solidarity” to Israel with other South Bay Jewish leaders. During the trip, she visited impacted sites and later presented reports on the work of ZAKA (an Israeli voluntary community emergency response unit) and the “unimaginable trauma” she witnessed (Congregation Shir Hadash (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)).
- Hostage Advocacy: She is a member of the Silicon Valley chapter of “Run for Their Lives,” a global walking group that advocates for the safe release of Jewish hostages held in Gaza and seeks to maintain public awareness of the hostage crisis (Los Gatan).
4. Financial Contributions to Pro-Israel Institutions
Kastelman is a documented donor to organizations that facilitate pro-Israel advocacy and campus engagement:
- Hillel of Silicon Valley: Kastelman is listed as a recurring donor to Hillel of Silicon Valley. This organization maintains partnerships with major Israel lobby groups, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), StandWithUs, and the Israel on Campus Coalition (ICC), to provide students with “Israel advocacy skills” (Hillel Silicon Valley 2018 Report (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation), Hillel Silicon Valley 2012 Report (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)).
Supported Candidates