A resolution unequivocally condemning antisemitism and lauding the working definition of antisemitism of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.

Bill: 118-sres-254
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]
Introduced: 2023-06-15
Policy area: Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Latest action: action_date: 2023-06-15
text: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S2125)

Summaries:
action_date: 2023-06-15
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p>This resolution condemns all forms of antisemitism, including acts of violence, discrimination, and hate speech directed at individuals or communities based on their Jewish identity.</p>

tv_txt: III 118th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 254 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

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.