Standing with Israel and building partnerships between American and Israeli communities
The Israeli-American Civic Action Network endorses Gracey Van Der Mark for California State Assembly District 72 in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Van Der Mark has used her position in local government to support Israel and build a direct relationship between an American city and an Israeli city. Her authorship of Huntington Beach’s resolution supporting Israel and her work on the city’s partnership with Ramat Gan provide concrete grounds for ICAN’s endorsement.
In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack, Van Der Mark brought forward Resolution 2023-50. Adopted by the Huntington Beach City Council on October 17, the resolution publicly declares support for Israel, condemns Hamas, and expresses sympathy for Israelis suffering, dying or being held hostage. Its text also recognizes America’s support for Israel’s efforts to defend itself and its citizens. She helped put her city on the record in support of an American ally facing a terrorist assault.
Van Der Mark also helped establish Huntington Beach’s twin-city partnership with Ramat Gan, Israel. As mayor, she and Tony Strickland submitted the September 2024 proposal that began the process. The council approved the partnership resolution the following month. It sets out goals for educational and cultural exchanges, trade, investment, youth visits and cooperation between the two cities. In August 2025, she joined local and state officials in welcoming Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen and reaffirming the relationship.
That work reflects a central ICAN priority: strengthening the U.S.–Israel alliance through practical action at the state and local levels. Municipal partnerships can connect communities, expand opportunities for exchange and build lasting relationships between Americans and Israelis. Van Der Mark helped create that opportunity in Huntington Beach.
Our expectations for Sacramento are clear. California must confront antisemitism, protect Jewish and Israeli-American communities, strengthen Holocaust education, and expand cooperation with Israel. We expect Van Der Mark to carry her record of support for Israel and municipal partnership into that work.
ICAN urges voters to elect Gracey Van Der Mark for California State Assembly District 72 on November 3, 2026.
About ICAN
ICAN is a pro-America, pro-Israel advocacy organization that combines political intelligence with an integrated domestic and foreign policy agenda built for state and local action. ICAN advances its mission through community organizing, legislative advocacy, electoral accountability and the development of U.S.–Israel partnerships.
Media contact: media@israelusa.org