In a response to the recent protests surrounding the conflict between Hamas and Israel, the North Carolina House of Representatives took action on Wednesday by passing legislation that aligns with the working definition of antisemitism. This move puts North Carolina among the more than 30 states that have adopted this definition.
In 2016, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance adopted the definition.
According to the definition, antisemitism refers to a specific perception of Jews that can manifest as hatred towards them. It encompasses both verbal and physical expressions of hostility, targeting individuals of Jewish or non-Jewish background, as well as their possessions and community institutions.
The SHALOM Act, also known as House Bill 942, aims to adopt a definition of antisemitism that will assist in training, education, recognition, and combating of antisemitic hate crimes or discrimination. It is important to note that this legislation does not intend to impede free speech but rather serve as a tool and guide for tracking and reporting antisemitic incidents.
During a news conference, House Speaker Tim Moore, a Republican from Cleveland, emphasized the timeliness of the bill in light of recent acts of antisemitism and violence. Although North Carolina already has hate-crime legislation in place, there is currently no specific definition of antisemitism within the state law, according to Moore.
According to the speaker, there have been instances of violence on the UNC Chapel Hill campus where individuals or law enforcement officers were physically attacked. In fact, the chancellor himself was spat on and had objects thrown at him, including water. The speaker believes that these actions go beyond breaking laws and should be considered antisemitic.
According to Moore, protesters were seen holding signs that portrayed terrorists entering Israel on paragliders.
Moore expressed his frustration, stating, “I’ve had enough.”
The House passed the legislation with a vote of 105-4 on Wednesday, and it will now proceed to the Senate. The four representatives who voted against the bill were Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford; Rep. Nasif Majeed, D-Mecklenburg; Rep. Marcia Morey, D-Durham; and Rep. Renee Price, D-Orange.
According to Phil Brodsky, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Raleigh, the significance of this bill or legislation lies in his personal experiences with antisemitism. He emphasizes the urgent need to amplify the voice of the Jewish community, especially in light of recent events. Brodsky highlights the alarming rise in antisemitism in America over the past few years, with a particularly exponential increase since October 7th.
According to him, the incidents range from anti-Jewish graffiti and bomb threats to direct attacks on Jewish individuals in public spaces.
“How can we effectively tackle this pervasive hatred if we are unable to clearly define it?” he posed the question. “Therefore, I express my gratitude to the state of North Carolina for introducing a contemporary definition of antisemitism within our jurisdiction.”