NY Gov Issues Proclamation Embracing IHRA Definition of Antisemitism

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, issued a proclamation on June 12 embracing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.

Hochul made the announcement during the American Jewish Committee’s Global Forum. The proclamation calls antisemitism “a pernicious and insidious hatred that threatens not only the Jewish people, but society as a whole” that is at “intolerable levels” throughout New York and the United States as a whole. “My administration believes the IHRA working definition of antisemitism is a vital resource in the struggle against antisemitism, and that will facilitate constructive discourse, further understanding, and enable a more thoughtful response to this harmful behavior that impacts us all,” the proclamation stated.

Hochul added in a tweet: “Make no mistake: in New York, there’s no room for antisemitism or hate.”

Tonight at the @AJCGlobal Forum, I was proud to announce my administration has issued a proclamation highlighting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism.

Make no mistake: in New York, there’s no room for antisemitism or hate. pic.twitter.com/fbm80hR4tN

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) June 12, 2022

StandWithUs Northeast Regional Director Avi Posnick praised Hochul in a statement. “We are deeply appreciative to Governor Hochol for endorsing the IHRA definition of antisemitism,” he said. “Defining antisemitism is the first step to identifying and defeating it. We look forward to working with the Governor to fight bigotry against Jews across the state.”

We are deeply appreciative to @GovKathyHochul of New York for endorsing the #IHRA definition of antisemitism. Defining #antisemitism is the first step to identifying and defeating it. We look forward to working with the Governor to fight bigotry against Jews across the state. pic.twitter.com/62IoYXtnMA

— StandWithUs (@StandWithUs) June 13, 2022