active campaign

This month, the Indiana House of Representatives passed HB 1002 by a vote of 83-0. This legislation will add the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism to the education code and align Indiana with a widely-accepted standard.

Now, the Senate needs to hear the legislation. Last year, a similar bill passed the House but failed to get a hearing in the Senate. Legislators stated that the community seemed too divided on the issue, and they did not hear from enough supporters.

With over 50 Jewish organizations and institutions in Indiana, in addition to 35 U.S. states (with Georgia the latest adoptee) and more than 1,200 institutions worldwide, endorsing this definition, it is time for Indiana residents to show their state senators that there is nothing divisive about confronting antisemitism and that there is united support for HB 1002 — the full text of which can be read here.

Take Action!

If you live in Indiana, please email and call your Indiana Senate Leadership and Senate Education Committee and urge them to hear HB 1002 (sample language, which you are encouraged to personalize, is below).

Senate Leadership Contacts

President Pro-Tempore
Senator Rodric Bray (R-37)
Senator.Bray@iga.in.gov
317-232-9416

Senate Majority Leader
Senator Chris Garten (R-45)
Senator.Garten@iga.in.gov
317-232-9840

Majority Caucus Chair
Senator Travis Holdman (R-19)
Senator.Holdman@iga.in.gov
317-232-9453

Senate Education Committee Chair
Senator Jeff Raatz (R-27)
Senator.Raatz@iga.in.gov
317-233-0930

Senate Education Committee Contacts

Senator John Crane, Ranking Member (R-24)
s24@iga.in.gov
317-233-0930

Senator Brian Buchanan (R-7)
Senator.Buchanan@iga.in.gov
317-234-9441

Senator Spencer Deery (R-23)
Senator.Deery@iga.in.gov
317-232-9517

Senator Dan Dernulc (R-1)
Senator.Dernulc@iga.in.gov
317-232-9414

Senator Stacey Donato (R-18)
Senator.Donato@iga.in.gov
317-234-9054

Senator J.D. Ford (D-29)
s29@iga.in.gov
317-232-9532

Senator Andrea Hunley (D-46)
s46@iga.in.gov
317-232-9491

Senator Dr. Tyler Johnson (R-14)
Senator.Johnson@iga.in.gov
317-232-9466

Senator Jean Leising (R-42)
Senator.Leising@iga.in.gov
317-232-9493

Senator Fady Qaddoura (D-30)
s30@iga.in.gov
317-232-9404

Senator Linda Rogers (R-11)
Senator.Rogers@iga.in.gov
317-234-9443

Senator Shelli Yoder (D-40)
s40@iga.in.gov
317-232-9534

Share this action alert on Facebook and Instagram, and encourage your friends to make calls and send emails.

Sample Language:

Dear Senator [Last Name],

I am a member of the local community, writing to you concerning the fight against antisemitism. I urge you to support HB 1002 and ensure it receives a hearing in the Senate.

The Indiana Jewish community strongly endorses the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism and HB 1002. Given the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents in the past three months, taking a strong stand against antisemitism is more important than ever.

The IHRA working definition serves as an educational tool to aid educators and administrators who are responsible for identifying and combating antisemitism. 35 states, the U.S. Department of State, and over 1,200 institutions globally, including more than 50 Jewish organizations and institutions in Indiana, have endorsed this definition. By adopting this definition, Indiana aligns itself with a widely-accepted standard across the country, promoting a unified stance against antisemitism.

HB 1002, which adds the IHRA definition to the education code, not the criminal code, is a critical step in this direction. The definition does not preclude criticism of Israel similar to that of any other country. The House approved HB 1002 with a 83-0 vote, and we hope that the Senate will approve it as well.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I urge you to hear HB 1002, as I trust that your commitment to fostering an inclusive and safe community will guide your decision.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]