Newsom Raises Over $1 Million for Tides Center, Backing High School ‘Walkouts for Gaza’
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (Getty Images)
California governor Gavin Newsom (D.) has publicly expressed support for Israel following Hamas’s recent terror attack, even making an unexpected visit to Israel to show his state’s solidarity. However, behind the scenes, he has been raising funds for the main supporter of a group that organized anti-Semitic and anti-Israel protests in California high schools.
Over 1,700 Bay Area teens in California walked out of their classes, demanding the elimination of Israel with chants like “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” These protests were orchestrated by the San Francisco-based Arab Resources and Organizing Center (AROC), a project sponsored by the progressive Tides Center, which Newsom has raised over $1 million for through his donors.
Despite publicly condemning the terrorist attacks on Israel and declaring that “California stands with Israel,” Newsom’s financial ties to AROC and the Tides Center highlight the extent to which anti-Israel activism has infiltrated progressive institutions. AROC has explicitly held Israel accountable for all the violence that unfolded after the Hamas attacks.
The Tides Center is part of a vast Democratic financial network that includes the Tides Foundation and receives substantial support from George Soros. Headquartered in San Francisco, Tides supports progressive causes and candidates through grants, fiscal sponsorships, and political advocacy. AROC is incubated at the Tides Center, which handles legal and financial matters for its sponsored projects, allowing their leaders to focus on their mission.
Newsom has raised over $1 million for the Tides Center from the Emerson Collective, the progressive funding operation of Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of former Apple CEO Steve Jobs. At Newsom’s request, the Emerson Collective contributed $1 million to the Tides Center in June 2021 and an additional $30,000 in July, as per campaign finance records.
A representative for Newsom did not respond to a request for comment.
These donations are just one aspect of Newsom’s longstanding financial relationship with Tides. Earlier this year, he secured $350,000 from the Tides Foundation for the Edible Schoolyard Project, a nonprofit supported by the governor as part of his school lunch program. Since 2015, Newsom has received over $1.4 million from the Tides Foundation for his preferred nonprofits and causes.
The Tides Center is not the only affiliate benefiting from Newsom’s ties. Since 2020, he has raised over $11 million for the Tides Foundation, the network’s grant-making arm, with $10 million coming from the progressive Jewish foundation Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, which also supports Israel.
Newsom’s fundraising for Tides was conducted through California’s “behested payments” system, allowing office-holders to raise funds for specific philanthropies, causes, or government business from their donors. These payments are often used by companies and others to gain favor or influence with state leaders. Newsom has also utilized the system to raise funds for his wife’s two nonprofits.
How has the lack of transparency within the network of organizations and individuals promoting left-wing causes affected public perception and trust?
Network of organizations and individuals that promote left-wing causes. It has been criticized for its lack of transparency and for its support of controversial groups and movements. In this instance, the Tides Center’s association with AROC raises questions about its role in funding and organizing anti-Semitic and anti-Israel activities.
Newsom’s support for the Tides Center and AROC is concerning, especially considering the extremist rhetoric and actions displayed by these groups. Chanting phrases like “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” is not only anti-Israel, but it also casts doubt on the true intentions of those involved in these protests.
It is essential to distinguish between legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies and outright anti-Semitism. While individuals have the right to express their opinions and concerns about Israel, it becomes problematic when those beliefs spill over into hate speech and support for terrorist organizations like Hamas.
Newsom’s financial ties to AROC and the Tides Center raise questions about his commitment to standing with Israel and combating anti-Semitism. It is crucial for leaders to lead by example and ensure that they are not inadvertently supporting groups that fuel hatred and violence.
As governor of California, Newsom has a responsibility to the citizens of his state, including the Jewish community. By aligning himself with organizations like AROC and the Tides Center, he sends a concerning message about his priorities and values. The high school walkouts organized by AROC were a clear example of anti-Israel sentiment infiltrating educational institutions.
The Jewish community deserves reassurance that their elected officials will stand with them and condemn any form of anti-Semitism. It is unacceptable for politicians to engage in activities that indirectly support groups promoting hate speech and violence.
By raising over $1 million for the Tides Center, Newsom has enabled and endorsed their support of AROC and, by extension, their harmful actions. This support contradicts his public statements condemning anti-Semitism and expressing solidarity with Israel.
Ultimately, it is up to Newsom to address these concerns and ensure that his commitment to Israel and the fight against anti-Semitism is not undermined by his financial ties to organizations like the Tides Center. California residents and the Jewish community, in particular, deserve a governor who will actively work to combat hate and stand up for the values of inclusivity and respect.
Newsom must take a clear stand against groups that promote anti-Israel sentiment and work towards building a more inclusive and tolerant California. It is only through true accountability and action that he can regain the trust of those who believe in the importance of standing against anti-Semitism and promoting peace in the Middle East.
As this issue continues to unfold, it is important for the public to remain vigilant and hold their elected officials accountable for their actions. The fight against anti-Semitism and hatred requires constant vigilance and the commitment of all individuals, including those in positions of power and influence.
California, a diverse and vibrant state, deserves leaders who will prioritize inclusivity and respect for all. It is only through genuine efforts to combat hate and promote understanding that lasting change can be achieved.
