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

III 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 anti- semitism is a pernicious and destructive form of prejudice that has persisted throughout history, resulting in wide- spread discrimination, violence, and persecution against Jewish individuals and communities; Whereas the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (referred to in this preamble as the ‘‘IHRA’’) has devel- oped a widely accepted and comprehensive working defi- nition of antisemitism that serves as a valuable tool for identifying and combating acts of antisemitism in all its manifestations; VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:22 Jun 15, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR254.IS SR254 pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB 2 •SRES 254 IS Whereas the IHRA working definition of antisemitism states that ‘‘antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed to- ward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their prop- erty, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities’’; Whereas the IHRA working definition of antisemitism in- cludes examples that illustrate the various ways in which antisemitism manifests, including making derogatory statements about Jews, denying the Holocaust, pro- moting conspiracy theories about Jewish control, and holding the Jewish Community collectively responsible for the actions of the State of Israel; Whereas the IHRA working definition of antisemitism serves as a valuable tool for governments, institutions, and orga- nizations in identifying, monitoring, and addressing anti- semitism, thereby helping to ensure the safety, security, and dignity of Jewish communities around the world; Whereas, for nearly 2 decades, the IHRA working definition and its predecessor, the European Union Military Com- mittee working definition, which was developed with the cooperation and support of Jewish communities, have provided essential guidance in efforts to combat anti- semitism to governments and organizations in Europe, the Americas, and across the globe; Whereas the IHRA definition has been adopted by more than 40 nations and multilateral organizations, including the European Union and the Organization of American States, which has earned the near-unanimous endorse- ment of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:22 Jun 15, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR254.IS SR254 pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB 3 •SRES 254 IS Whereas no other definition of antisemitism has been as broadly adopted and utilized by practitioners, govern- ments, 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, there- fore, be it Resolved, That the Senate— 1 (1) strongly condemns all forms of anti- 2 semitism, including acts of violence, discrimination, 3 and hate speech directed at individuals or commu- 4 nities based on their Jewish identity; 5 (2) recognizes the significant impact of anti- 6 semitism on individuals, communities, and society as 7 a whole, and reaffirms its commitment to combating 8 this age-old prejudice in all its forms; 9 (3) commends the International Holocaust Re- 10 membrance Alliance (referred to in this resolution as 11 the ‘‘IHRA’’) for its efforts in developing the IHRA 12 working definition of antisemitism, which serves as 13 a valuable tool for identifying and addressing acts of 14 antisemitism; 15 (4) encourages Federal, State, and local govern- 16 ment entities, as well as academic institutions, civil 17 VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:22 Jun 15, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\SR254.IS SR254 pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB 4 •SRES 254 IS society organizations, and other relevant stake- 1 holders, to adopt and exclusively utilize the IHRA 2 working definition of antisemitism as an essential re- 3 source in combating antisemitism and promoting tol- 4 erance and understanding; 5 (5) calls on all countries to endorse and make 6 exclusive use of the IHRA working definition of 7 antisemitism, and to take effective measures to com- 8 bat antisemitism, protect Jewish individuals and 9 communities, and promote religious freedom and 10 human rights for all; and 11 (6) urges the Federal Government to continue 12 its efforts to combat antisemitism domestically and 13 internationally, including through diplomatic chan- 14 nels, law enforcement cooperation, educational pro- 15 grams, and public awareness campaigns. 16 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:22 Jun 15, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\SR254.IS SR254 pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB