Governor Kay Ivey recently signed a joint letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), calling on him to pass the Antisemitism Awareness Act (AAA), which would expand the definition of antisemitism used in federal anti-discrimination laws in education.
The AAA would mandate that the Department of Education adopt the broad definition of antisemitism used by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), an intergovernmental group, to enforce federal anti-discrimination laws.
The IHRA defines antisemitism as: "[A] certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
Twenty-five other state governors joined the letter asking Schumer to advance the AAA as the anniversary of the October 7 attacks draws nearer. The resolution passed the House in May with a vote of 320-91. Twenty-one Republicans and 70 Democrats voted against it.
“We are less than one month away from the first anniversary of October 7, when Hamas terrorists brutally murdered, raped, tortured, and kidnapped Israeli and American citizens,” the letter reads. “This tragedy is far from over as we recently received the devastating news that six innocent hostages were murdered in cold blood, including one American citizen. There are still more than 60 hostages presumed to be alive being held captive in Gaza, that we pray do not meet the same fate.”
“Meanwhile, we have all watched the horrific rise of overt antisemitism on display in our own nation. As students across the country return to college campuses, we must send a unified and clear message that antisemitism will not be tolerated in America.”
In addition to codifying a definition of antisemitism, the IHRA lists the following examples of antisemitism:
Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extremist view of religion.
Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective — such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other societal institutions.
Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.
Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g. gas chambers) or intentionality of the genocide of the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its supporters and accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust).
Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.
Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.
Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.
Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.
Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.
“Action needs to be taken now to reinforce the civil rights of our Jewish community in the wake of these tragedies,” the letter continues. “We ask you to take immediate action to pass H.R. 6090, [The AAA] codifying the [IHRA] Working Definition of Antisemitism and its 11 accompanying examples. In May, this legislation passed with an overwhelming, bipartisan majority in the U.S. House with a vote of 320-91 and there is no reason for it to languish in the Senate without a vote. In fact, the companion legislation in the Senate, S.4127 already boasts 30 bipartisan cosponsors. The passing of this legislation is critical to combatting violent acts of antisemitism that are taking place across America.”
“Republican governors across the nation have unanimously supported the adoption of the IHRA working definition at the state level, and now we call upon the U.S. Senate to show support for our nation's Jewish population at this time of growing attacks against their religion. Our nation was founded on freedom of religion, and this legislation reaffirms our commitment that people can live, learn, and prosper safely. There is no place for hate in our great nation.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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