California must find its voice and call on Israel to end the Gaza siege | Opinion

California, on occasion, rightfully shares its voice on the international stage; that moment has come now once again, given the worsening human tragedy in Gaza.

The governor and Legislature must condemn Israel’s brutal starvation campaign against the Palestinian people. In a Capitol that is routinely awash in meaningless resolutions, one that calls for Israel to stop the starvation in Gaza is a strong message that this state and nation must now send.

There is plenty of precedent for California to take this necessary step. Our state was a leader in the anti-apartheid movement that led to South Africa’s first free and fair election in 1994. Our universities led in protests against the Vietnam War, helping to bring that violence to an end. There was once a mayor from San Francisco who legalized gay marriage, a daring move that ended up accelerating its acceptance worldwide.

That former mayor is now our governor, Gavin Newsom. He regularly reminds us that California is the fourth-largest economy in the world, and our relations with Mexico and with Asia are stronger than most countries. California has international standing, and so we must speak: Now is not the time to simply stand by while Israel’s war rages against Gaza.

The leadership in Israel flatly denies that starvation is happening and accepts no responsibility, though, in late July, President Donald Trump acknowledged “real starvation” in Gaza.

This denial of what is plainly obvious continues because too much of the world is silent.

Inaction is a choice

It’s a discrete choice for Newsom and lawmakers to remain silent, and it is increasingly the wrong one.

The Legislature resumed its session on Monday and is scheduled to end its deliberations in mid-September. Yes, no matter how thoughtful and powerful a legislative resolution was framed, it would be a symbolic gesture that could easily be politicized by some. But others may listen.

Newsom at times has found a voice on the ongoing Middle East crisis. In March of 2024, at the beginning of Ramadan, Newsom wrote an “open letter” to California’s “Muslim, Palestinian American and Arab American” neighbors. “On top of the pain of discrimination and fear of violence, I have also heard from Muslim, Arab American, and Palestinian American leaders that many fear speaking out against the deaths of civilians in Gaza,” Newsom wrote.

“Know that I will always defend your right to take part in the California tradition of peaceful protest—to publicly express your opposition to any war or government decision you oppose, including the war in Gaza.”

It’s time the Legislature backed Newsom with their own words, expressing a desire to end the starvation in Gaza. This can be done while also affirming Israel’s right to exist.

Being a worldwide leader comes with a responsibility, and California can’t fashion itself as one only when the moments are convenient and comfortable. The question is: Can California’s elected leaders do anything hard and brave anymore? Can they make a statement that comes with more immediate risks than rewards?

Calling for an end to the starvation in Gaza would honor California’s legacy of principled protest while also affirming that California remains a global leader that does not believe silence should be the answer to needless human suffering on a tragic scale.

This story was originally published August 21, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "California must find its voice and call on Israel to end the Gaza siege | Opinion."