Standing United Against Antisemitism: Biden Administration Should Embrace IHRA

As the Biden Administration prepares to release its long-awaited strategy to combat antisemitism, ensuring that this comprehensive plan is built on a strong and inclusive foundation is crucial. Recent discussions surrounding the inclusion of alternative definitions have raised concerns among Democratic state legislators. We firmly believe that adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition as the exclusive definition of antisemitism is essential to address and counter this pervasive hatred effectively. The forthcoming antisemitism strategy must align with this principle.

The IHRA definition, widely acknowledged as the international gold standard, offers a clear framework to identify and confront antisemitism in all its forms. It has gained support from thirty-nine countries, over 1,000 other global entities, and the overwhelming majority of Jewish community organizations in the United States and globally. As Democratic lawmakers committed to combating antisemitism, we urge the Biden Administration to embrace the IHRA definition as the cornerstone of its strategy, recognizing its efficacy and broad acceptance as an invaluable tool in the fight against antisemitism.

The Biden Administration’s release of the first-ever national plan to counter antisemitism is a significant step forward. However, it is essential to ensure that the plan incorporates the IHRA definition, which the United States State Department has already implemented under previous administrations. The IHRA definition provides a comprehensive framework that can effectively address the complex and evolving nature of antisemitism. The IHRA definition is a powerful tool to identify and combat antisemitism in all its guises. By adopting this definition, we can effectively distinguish between legitimate criticism of Israeli policies and actions and the demonization and delegitimization of Israel, which often employ anti-Semitic rhetoric and tropes.

Antisemitism remains a pervasive threat, manifesting in various forms, including violent attacks on synagogues and Jewish institutions. The Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh that left eleven dead stands as a tragic example of the devastating consequences of this hatred. Sadly, it is far from an isolated example, with other recent incidents, like the 2019 shooting at a synagogue in Poway that killed one worshiper and injured three others, including an eight-year-old girl. Such incidents highlight the urgent need to confront and combat antisemitism in all its manifestations. Across college campuses, there have been concerning incidents where Jewish students have faced discrimination and hostility due to their religious identity. It is disheartening to witness these instances of antisemitism occurring within institutions of higher learning, spaces that should foster tolerance, inclusivity, and intellectual exchange.

Hatred of the Jewish people is not confined to any single ideological or political group. It manifests across the spectrum, including the far right, far left, religious extremists, and even influential public figures. Instances of antisemitism originating from celebrities like Kanye West further emphasize the need for a clear and inclusive definition to address this form of hatred.

Statistics also reveal a disturbing trend. The Anti-Defamamation League (ADL) annual audit found its highest ever total of antisemitic incidents in the U.S. in 2022, with 3,697 reported, a 36% increase from 2021.Additionally, the FBI’s annual Hate Crime Statistics Report consistently demonstrates that Jews remain the most targeted religious group in the United States, with incidents rising by 20% in 2021.

The Biden Administration’s forthcoming antisemitism strategy presents a crucial opportunity to address and combat the growing threat of antisemitism in the United States. By adopting the IHRA definition as the exclusive definition of antisemitism, the administration can demonstrate its unwavering commitment to protecting Jewish communities and promoting a society free from bigotry and hate. As Democratic state legislators, we stand united in urging the administration to embrace the IHRA definition and effectively confront this pervasive hatred. Let us work together to build a future where all individuals, regardless of their faith or background, can live in dignity, safety, and harmony.

Alma (LD20) and Consuelo(LD21) are Democratic members of the Arizona House of Representatives.  Both sisters are members of the Arizona House Jewish Caucus.