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Wisconsin lawmakers consider adopting IHRA definition of antisemitism

“In the last 18 months, the world has witnessed a disturbing surge in antisemitic rhetoric, violence and harassment,” wrote the JCRC of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.

Wisconsin State Assembly
Wisconsin State Assembly, in the west wing of the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, Wis. Credit: RyanCodyPotochnik via Wikimedia Commons.

Wisconsin lawmakers are weighing whether to adopt a resolution that would enshrine the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into state law, Wisconsin Public Radio reported on Monday.

The bill would require state and local governments to use the IHRA definition of antisemitism when determining cases of discrimination and resulting disciplinary actions.

“In the last 18 months, the world has witnessed a disturbing and unprecedented surge in antisemitic rhetoric, violence and harassment,” wrote the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation in a letter. “The IHRA working definition of antisemitism has emerged as a vital tool in this fight.”

Currently, 37 states and Washington, D.C., have adopted the definition.

The New York City mayor said that he is “grateful that Leqaa has been released this evening from ICE custody after more than a year in detention for speaking up for Palestinian rights.”
“I hope all the folks from Temple Israel know that we’re praying for them,” the U.S. vice president said. “We’re thinking about them.”
The co-author of the K-12 law told JNS that “this attempt to undermine crucial safety protections for Jewish children at a time when antisemitic hate and violence is rampant and rising is breathtaking.”
The measure has drawn opposition from civil-liberties groups, including the state’s ACLU.

Israel Airports Authority confirmed that the planes were empty and no injuries were reported.

The victims suffered light blast wounds and were listed in good condition at Beilinson Hospital.