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Political Support for Diversity and Inclusion in the Jewish Community at Shades of Belonging Festival

The Shades of Belonging Festival, held on May 5, 2024, served as a vibrant testament to the Jewish community's commitment to diversity and inclusion. This community event, graced by several esteemed local politicians, underscored the significant support for fostering multicultural understanding within the Jewish community. Notable attendees included Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, who shared her personal journey as a Jew of color, and Councilman Bob Blumenfield, whose presence reinforced the importance of embracing diverse narratives. Representatives from the offices of California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath also highlighted the broader governmental backing for initiatives like the Shades of Belonging Festival. This gathering not only celebrated the rich tapestry of Jewish identities but also promoted the festival's mission to unite and empower a diverse community.


Political Support for Diversity

Hydee Feldstein Soto's Commitment


Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto shares her story
Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto

Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto's attendance at the Shades of Belonging Festival was a powerful testament to her dedication to diversity and inclusion. As a Jew of color, Feldstein Soto shared her personal experiences and challenges, highlighting the importance of creating spaces where all members of the Jewish community feel seen and valued. Her presence at the community event underscored the city's ongoing commitment to supporting multicultural initiatives.


By actively participating in the festival, Feldstein Soto demonstrated her belief in fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates diverse identities within the Jewish community. Her story and advocacy efforts resonate deeply with the mission of the Shades of Belonging Festival, which aims to uplift and empower Jewish adoptees of color through research and community-building efforts.


Bob Blumenfield's Diverse Narrative


Councilman Bob Blumenfield presents certificates to Jewtina y Co and Dr. McCarty-Caplan
Councilman Bob Blumenfield presents certificates to Jewtina y Co and Dr. McCarty-Caplan

Councilman Bob Blumenfield's participation in the Shades of Belonging Festival highlighted his strong support for embracing diverse narratives within the Jewish community. As a member of a mixed-race Jewish family, Blumenfield's presence was particularly significant. He advocates for the recognition and inclusion of various cultural backgrounds within his jurisdiction. At the community event, Blumenfield spoke about his personal experiences and the importance of celebrating different identities. His involvement reinforced the festival's mission to foster an inclusive environment that unites and empowers a diverse community. The Councilman presented Dr. David McCarty-Caplan and Jewtina y Co with a Certificate of Honor for creating and organizing the Shades of Belonging Community Festival.


By supporting initiatives like the Shades of Belonging Festival, Blumenfield demonstrates his commitment to promoting cultural understanding and acceptance. His advocacy helps ensure that all members of the Jewish community, regardless of their background, feel a sense of belonging.


Jesse Gabriel's Office Representation


a representative from California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel's office presenting honors to Jewtina y co and Dr. McCarty-Caplan
Deputy Ryan Valencia representing California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel's office

The presence of a representative from California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel's office at the Shades of Belonging Festival underscored the state-level support for diversity and inclusion within the Jewish community. The office presented both Dr. David McCarty-Caplan and Jewtina y Co with a Certificate of Recognition for their efforts in creating an inclusive space for Los Angeles with this event.


The representative's attendance highlighted the state's recognition of the festival's efforts to promote cultural understanding and acceptance. By engaging with festival attendees, Gabriel's deputy conveyed the importance of these initiatives in fostering a more inclusive society. The representatives emphasized the state's commitment to supporting community events that celebrate diverse identities and narratives. This backing from Jesse Gabriel's office aligns with the festival's mission to uplift the voices of Jewish adoptees of color and promote unity among varied cultural backgrounds. Their involvement serves as a testament to the broader governmental support for initiatives that aim to bring together and empower communities through shared experiences and dialogue.


Lindsey Horvath's Community Backing

Representative from the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath participated in the Shades of Belonging Festival, showcasing the county's support for community-building activities that promote diversity and inclusion. Their presence at the event underscored the importance of initiatives like the festival in unifying diverse groups within the Jewish community. Horvath's office emphasized the role of such events in fostering understanding and acceptance among different cultural backgrounds. By backing the festival, Lindsey Horvath's office demonstrated a commitment to creating inclusive spaces where all members of the community can feel connected and empowered. This support aligns with the festival's mission to uplift the experiences of Jewish adoptees of color and encourage broader engagement with multicultural narratives. The participation of Horvath's representative signals a broader governmental endorsement of efforts to build cohesive, inclusive communities.


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