Enacts the "Honoring Our Pledge to Eliminate Antisemitism (HOPE) act"

• Democratic36
• Republican6

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Kevin S. Parker says this is needed

Anti-Semitism remains a pervasive issue, manifesting as both overt and subtle discrimination against Jewish individuals and communities. Despite progress in civil rights enforcement and avowed commitments to tackle this hateful ideology, the absence of a clear definition of anti- Semitism in the law hampers efforts to identify, address, and prevent such discrimination. This ambiguity allows discriminatory actions to go unchecked and fosters an environment of intolerance. In 2016, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), composed of delegates appointed by the national governments of thirty- five member countries which together represent over ninety-seven percent of the world's Jewish population, adopted a definition of anti-Semitism with examples (the IHRA definition) as an essential tool used to deter- mine contemporary manifestations of anti-Semitism; in particular, wheth- er alleged. discriminatory conduct is animated by anti-Semitic intent. The IHRA definition is used by various agencies of the United States government and by over thirty governments around the world; recommended for use by the European Council and the European Parliament; endorsed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Secretary General of the Organization of American States; included in policy guides prepared by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; and has been formally adopted by a growing number of states, cities, universities, and civil society organizations. The IHRA definition states: "AntisemItism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and phys- ical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non- Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community insti- tutions and religious facilities." IHRA sets forth examples of anti-Semitism in several categories, including: -Demonization, for instance by calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing of Jews; using symbols associated with classic anti- Semitism like blood libels to characterize Jews, Israel, or Israelis; engaging in classic stereotypes about Jewish power and/or control; -Delegitimizing the state of Israel and in doing so denying the Jewish people their equal right to self- determination; -Imposing double standards to condemn behavior by Jews or Israelis that is not condemned in others; -Holocaust denial, such as accusing Jews or Israel of inventing or exag- gerating the Holocaust; -Accusations of dual loyalty, such as accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, that to the interests of their own nations; and -Holding Jews collectively responsible for the behavior of other Jews, Israel, or even non- Jews. The IHRA definition is equally clear that "criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic." This internationally recognized definition provides a comprehensive framework, encompassing both traditional and contemporary forms of anti- Semitism. Use of the IHRA definition to assist in determining whether alleged discriminatory conduct is motivated by anti-Semitic intent is essential to effectively combating anti-Semitism and enforcing the Human Rights Law. By adopting this definition, agencies and courts will be empowered to better recognize and respond to anti-Semitic acts, ensuring robust protection for affected individuals.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.