With Alaska’s Endorsement, Half of 50 US States Have Now Recognized IHRA Antisemitism Definition

Alaska on Thursday became the 25th U.S. state to recognize the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism — meaning half of the total of 50 U.S. states have now done so.

The endorsement came via a proclamation issued by Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy commemorating Yom HaShoah, Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day, which can be read in full here.

One of the most effective steps a state can take — via legislation, resolutions, executive orders, and/or executive proclamations — to fight Jew-hatred in all its contemporary manifestations is to adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.

A CAM Information Hub database of information on state adoptions of the definition can be accessed here.

The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations applauded Alaska’s move, saying in a statement, “The fact that 25 states and the District of Columbia, and other major cities, over 30 countries, hundreds of universities, sports teams, and governmental bodies have adopted the IHRA Working Definition as a tool identifying antisemitism reflects the broad support that exists for the most authoritative and internationally accepted definition of antisemitism, as well as the widespread view that it is critically important to recognize antisemitism in order to combat it successfully.”

The IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism says, “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

The definition’s accompanying list of examples details 11 specific discriminatory behaviors targeting Jews and the State of Israel.