The United States House of Representatives passed a Bill on Wednesday, to expand the definition of anti-Semitism. The news coincides with the uprising of pro-Palestinian protests spreading across university campuses in the U.S.
The new definition, produced by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), has been passed to the Senate for consideration. Anti-Semitism is now defined as: “A certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities,” Al Jazeera reported.
Unsurprisingly, the Republican Party welcomed the proposal, remaining unwavering in their support for the Jewish community and Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu. Republican members on the panel reviewing the Bill said that the update was needed to help authorities enforce the law.
The new definition could prevent any educational institution that is deemed to support anti-Semitic behaviors from receiving funding.
Republican Representative Mike Lawler of New York, one of the Bill´s sponsors, mentioned that the U.S. Department of Education and college administrations would use this definition when enforcing laws.
Lawler named the Bill: “A key step in calling out antisemitism where it is and ensuring anti-Semitic hate crimes on college campuses are properly investigated and prosecuted.”
The news has not come without backlash, notably from Democrats, “This Bill threatens to chill constitutionally protected speech,” Jerrold Nadler, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, said.
Nadler´s words echo the statements of other critics claiming the definition and dismantling of arrests at the pro-Palestinian protests serve as an infringement of freedom of speech.
On May 2, more than 100 arrests were made as pro-Palestinian protestors set up camp on the university grounds, calling for a ceasefire and divestment from Israel.
Amid the criticism, reports are showing a spike in both Islamophobic and anti-Semitic crimes across the U.S. since October 7. A report by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), stated it received 8,061 complaints across the U.S. in 2023, marking the highest figures in CAIR´s 30-year history.
Similarly, non-profit Anti-Defamation League (ADL), said it has noted over 3,200 anti-Semitic incidents since October 7.