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The San Diego City Council voted 8-1 on Tuesday to pass a measure adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism.
“The City recognizes the rise of antisemitism and reaffirms its commitment to opposing hate and discrimination in all forms,” Item S500 — introduced by Councilmember Stephen Whitburn — said. “The City hereby adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, including the 11 contemporary examples, as adopted by the IHRA on May 26, 2016.”
The resolution also requested the City Clerk and Mayor “make the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism and 11 contemporary examples available to all City departments, including the San Diego Police Department, as an educational resource to support efforts to address antisemitism and other forms of discrimination.”
“Nothing in this resolution is intended to, nor shall it be construed to, limit or infringe upon rights protected by the United States Constitution or the California Constitution, including the right to free speech and expression,” the resolution noted.
The full text of the resolution is available HERE.
As of the end of 2025, a total of 1,330 entities across the globe — including national and local governments, international groups, civic organizations, educational institutions, corporations, and sports clubs, among other bodies — had adopted or endorsed the IHRA antisemitism definition, according to data compiled by the CAM’s Antisemitism Research Center (ARC).
“Today’s vote by the San Diego City Council to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism is a landmark moment, not just for the Jewish community of San Diego, but for the entire city,” stated CAM Chief Government Affairs Officer Lisa Katz, who leads CAM’s municipal initiatives with North American mayors and is a former town supervisor of New Castle (New York).
“We are deeply grateful to Mayor Todd Gloria, whose partnership and leadership have been instrumental in making this happen,” Katz emphasized. “This adoption is a direct result of the meaningful work forged at our Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism, where we brought together municipal leaders committed to turning words into action.”
“San Diego is now sending a powerful message that antisemitism has no place here,” she added. “We thank the City Council for their courage, their clarity, and their commitment to building a city where every resident feels safe and valued.”
Katz submitted comments in favor of the resolution for Tuesday’s City Council meeting, and CAM President of U.S. Affairs Alyza Lewin testified virtually.
“The IHRA definition provides a framework for recognizing Jew-hatred and distinguishing it from political debate,” Lewin said. “It does not silence, prohibit, or punish speech. It merely defines antisemitism. It safeguards debate while protecting people.”
Read Lewin’s testimony HERE.
Mayor Gloria was a keynote speaker at the CAM-organized 2024 North American Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism in Beverly Hills, California.
Last year, in collaboration with CAM, Mayor Gloria sent a letter to fellow city leaders in the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) urging them to initiate and participate in Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) activities.
