Newsletter
Newsletter Support JNS

New York county adopts IHRA definition of Jew-hatred

“We’re taking a strong stance to educate, prevent and combat hate within our community,” the county executive stated.

Putnam County
Putnam County Courthouse in Carmel, N.Y. Credit: Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Creative Commons.

In what Kevin Byrne, the Putnam County executive, called “a significant move to combat rising antisemitism,” the county in the Hudson Valley on New York’s border with Connecticut adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of Jew-hatred to guide its assessment of hate crimes.

The county’s legislature passed Resolution 308 unanimously and Byrne signed it last week.

“The rise of antisemitism in this country is deeply troubling and demands action,” Byrne stated. “By adopting the IHRA’s definition, we’re taking a strong stance to educate, prevent and combat hate within our community.”

Bill Gouldman, the country legislator who introduced the resolution, stated that “we must stand with our Jewish neighbors to battle antisemitism in all forms.”

“I’m glad to see local leaders like Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne taking charge and fighting back against antisemitism,” stated Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.).

“Visas provided to foreign students to live, study and work in the United States are a privilege, not a right,” the department spokesman told JNS.
“We will not allow Iraq’s terrorist militias, backed by Iran, to threaten American lives or interests,” stated Scott Bessent, the U.S. treasury secretary.
Witness statements allege that Jewish students were singled out, monitored and blocked from entering the event, with some attendees reporting antisemitic remarks heard while waiting in line.
“His venom for Jews is part of the sickening rise in antisemitism and attacks against believers,” prosecutors said.
U.S. President Donald Trump said that the naval blockade of Iranian ports will remain in force despite the announcement from Iran.
Four senators wrote to the U.S. Secretary of State that Liran Tancman has a “failed record of privatizing traditional humanitarian functions.”