In Official Report, Virginia State Commission Outlines Steps to Counter Growth of Antisemitic Hatred

A state commission appointed by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin released an official report on Monday outlining a proposed set of actions to combat rising antisemitism.

The recommendations include initiatives to “bolster K-12 education on the Holocaust and Judaism, increase hate crime reporting and data collection, and prevent state agencies from contracting with companies that have taken antisemitic positions,” a press release published by Youngkin’s office.

“Hatred, intolerance, and antisemitism have no place in Virginia and I appreciate the committee’s hard work to highlight and grapple with these matters,” Youngkin stated. “We have challenges in Virginia and we must work together to address them. For Virginia to be the best place to live, work, and raise a family, the Commonwealth must welcome people of all faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds with open arms.”

The Commission was established on Youngkin’s first day as governor last January, amid a rising number of antisemitic incidents both nationally and in Virginia.

In 2022, there have been nearly 350 reports on antisemitism acts in Virginia, Youngkin’s office noted.

Commission Chairman Jeffrey Rosen commented, “During Governor Youngkin’s first year in office, I have respected his desire to oppose divisiveness in varied forms and instead find moments to bring people together to make Virginia a better place. This is one of those moments, and it is my hope that the work of our 15-member Commission speaks through this report. The recommendations of the Commission to Combat Antisemitism represent a timely and comprehensive way for Virginia to fight this form of hatred and bigotry head-on.”

Commission Vice-Chairman Arthur Sandler added, “Rising antisemitism in America and Virginia must not be tolerated. To this end, the Commission’s work will provide valuable tools to combat hate and achieve the vision of freedom from persecution set out by our Founding Fathers. It has been an honor to serve the Commonwealth on the Commission and I look forward to working with Governor Youngkin to combat antisemitism and hate in all forms.”

Last week, Mayor of Richmond Levar Stoney spoke at the 2022 Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism in Athens, Greece. His remarks can be viewed below:

The Commission to Combat Antisemitism Report can be read in full here.