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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 254 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>

118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 254

     Unequivocally condemning antisemitism and lauding the working 
 definition of antisemitism of the International Holocaust Remembrance 
                               Alliance.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 15, 2023

    Mr. Scott of Florida (for himself, Mr. Schmitt, Mr. Rounds, Mr. 
Hagerty, and Mrs. Blackburn) submitted the following resolution; which 
             was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
     Unequivocally condemning antisemitism and lauding the working 
 definition of antisemitism of the International Holocaust Remembrance 
                               Alliance.

Whereas the United States Senate recognizes that antisemitism is a pernicious 
        and destructive form of prejudice that has persisted throughout history, 
        resulting in widespread discrimination, violence, and persecution 
        against Jewish individuals and communities;
Whereas the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (referred to in this 
        preamble as the ``IHRA'') has developed a widely accepted and 
        comprehensive working definition of antisemitism that serves as a 
        valuable tool for identifying and combating acts of antisemitism in all 
        its manifestations;
Whereas the IHRA working definition of antisemitism states that ``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'';
Whereas the IHRA working definition of antisemitism includes examples that 
        illustrate the various ways in which antisemitism manifests, including 
        making derogatory statements about Jews, denying the Holocaust, 
        promoting conspiracy theories about Jewish control, and holding the 
        Jewish Community collectively responsible for the actions of the State 
        of Israel;
Whereas the IHRA working definition of antisemitism serves as a valuable tool 
        for governments, institutions, and organizations in identifying, 
        monitoring, and addressing antisemitism, thereby helping to ensure the 
        safety, security, and dignity of Jewish communities around the world;
Whereas, for nearly 2 decades, the IHRA working definition and its predecessor, 
        the European Union Military Committee working definition, which was 
        developed with the cooperation and support of Jewish communities, have 
        provided essential guidance in efforts to combat antisemitism to 
        governments and organizations in Europe, the Americas, and across the 
        globe;
Whereas the IHRA definition has been adopted by more than 40 nations and 
        multilateral organizations, including the European Union and the 
        Organization of American States, which has earned the near-unanimous 
        endorsement of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe;
Whereas no other definition of antisemitism has been as broadly adopted and 
        utilized by practitioners, governments, and civil society as the IHRA 
        working definition of antisemitism; and
Whereas the United States Senate is committed to upholding the principles of 
        equality, human rights, and religious freedom, and recognizes the 
        importance of combating all forms of discrimination, including 
        antisemitism, in order to foster a more just and inclusive society: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) strongly condemns all forms of antisemitism, including 
        acts of violence, discrimination, and hate speech directed at 
        individuals or communities based on their Jewish identity;
            (2) recognizes the significant impact of antisemitism on 
        individuals, communities, and society as a whole, and reaffirms 
        its commitment to combating this age-old prejudice in all its 
        forms;
            (3) commends the International Holocaust Remembrance 
        Alliance (referred to in this resolution as the ``IHRA'') for 
        its efforts in developing the IHRA working definition of 
        antisemitism, which serves as a valuable tool for identifying 
        and addressing acts of antisemitism;
            (4) encourages Federal, State, and local government 
        entities, as well as academic institutions, civil society 
        organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, to adopt and 
        exclusively utilize the IHRA working definition of antisemitism 
        as an essential resource in combating antisemitism and 
        promoting tolerance and understanding;
            (5) calls on all countries to endorse and make exclusive 
        use of the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, and to take 
        effective measures to combat antisemitism, protect Jewish 
        individuals and communities, and promote religious freedom and 
        human rights for all; and
            (6) urges the Federal Government to continue its efforts to 
        combat antisemitism domestically and internationally, including 
        through diplomatic channels, law enforcement cooperation, 
        educational programs, and public awareness campaigns.
                                 <all>
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