December 20, 2022
THE WORKING DEFINITION OF ANTISEMITISM
The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism is a crucial first step in addressing the horrific rise in antisemitism, especially in Europe and the United States. The Working Definition is a clear and compact description of antisemitism in its various forms, including Holocaust denial, prejudices against Jews, and the denial of Israel’s right to exist. The Definition sends a message that governments understand the threat, which is the obvious first step in addressing it.
The City of Bellevue:
We are grateful to the Bellevue City Council and their Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer, Linda Whitehead, as Bellevue became the first city in the Pacific Northwest to adopt and utilize the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism. With special thanks to Deputy Mayor Jared Nieuwenhuis, on leading this effort to unequivocally stand against Jew-hatred.
Following Bellevue's adoption of the IHRA Working Definition, The Seattle Times endorsed AJC's and Bellevue's efforts to fight antisemitism with their editorial Follow Bellevue’s example to fight antisemitism.
The City of Mill Creek:
Regina Sassoon Friedland, Regional Director of AJC Seattle spoke at the Mill Creek city council meeting as they adopted a proclamation condemning antisemitism, which includes adoption of the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. With gratitude to the City of Mill Creek, the Mill Creek City Council, Mayor Brian Holtzclaw, and Mayor Pro Tem Stephanie Vignal for their proactive efforts in the adoption and utilization of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism and in strongly and unequivocally condemning Jew-hatred. Special thanks to Councilman Vincent Cavaleri for leading this critically important effort and to Steven Abramowicz, owner of the Mill Creek View, on all his vital work behind the scenes.
Snohomish County:
With gratitude to Dave Summers, Snohomish County Executive and Snohomish County, Washington as the first county in the Pacific Northwest to adopt and utilize the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, strongly and unequivocally condemning Jew-hatred.
Their proclamation begins with “Whereas, Snohomish County is one of the most diverse counties in Washington, and our local Jewish community is an important part of the County’s fabric, with individuals and families at Temple Beth Or and Chabad of Snohomish County contributing to our community in countless ways;”
The City of Tacoma, Washington
We thank the City of Tacoma, WA, Mayor, Victoria Woodards, and the City Council, on their resolution’s unequivocal condemnation of antisemitism and its adoption and utilization of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism. With special mention to Council Member Sarah Rumbaugh and Lynda Foster on driving effort.
