Assemblyman Sam Berger (D-Kew Gardens Hills) announced last week that he intends to introduce legislation in the 2025 legislative session aimed at combating the disturbing rise in anti-Semitism in New York. The legislation will require all New York State agencies to incorporate IHRA’s working definition of anti-Semitism into their anti-discrimination policies.
Anti-Semitic incidents in New York State increased by 110 percent in 2023 compared to 2022, more than doubling the reported cases from the previous year. In the wake of the heinous October 7 terrorist attacks and the ensuing hate-filled demonstrations that followed, Jewish communities worldwide remain on edge. Across municipalities, government institutions, and college campuses throughout the state, there has been a struggle to address and combat anti-Semitism effectively. The lack of clear guidance and cohesive policies has hindered efforts to prevent and defend against these rising threats – underscoring the urgent need for the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism.
“This legislation sends a strong, clear message: New York will not tolerate anti-Semitism, especially in our state government,” said Assemblyman Berger. “The IHRA definition is an essential tool to identify, navigate, and combat anti-Semitic behavior. By capturing the shape-shifting nature of anti-Semitism through various stereotypes and falsehoods, the adoption of the IHRA definition aims to protect Jewish individuals and communities from the scourge of hate-filled ideology.”
This critical initiative follows pronouncements by state and national leaders that the IHRA definition will guide them in stamping out anti-Semitism. On the national stage, the IHRA definition has received bipartisan support, with Presidents Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Barack Obama all demonstrating support during their respective administrations. In 2022, Governor Hochul issued a proclamation supporting the IHRA definition, affirming that the definition is “a vital resource in the struggle against anti-Semitism.” With the issuance of the proclamation three years ago, New York now stands with 36 other states that have already issued proclamations or executive orders recognizing the definition. But with the largest population of Jews outside of Israel, New York must do more.
