From Jewish Breaking News

North Carolina has taken a major step forward on Wednesday in combating antisemitism by adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)’s working definition into its state laws.

The IHRA’s working definition of antisemitism, which has been adopted by over 35 US states and 91 cities, as well as the US State Department, includes contemporary examples such as denying the Jewish people’s right to self-determination, comparing Israeli policies to those of the Nazis, and holding Jews collectively responsible for the actions of the State of Israel.

“With antisemitism having exploded worldwide post-Oct. 7, the IHRA definition remains a tool of paramount importance for helping identify and quell the mounting tide of antisemitism,” StandWithUs CEO Roz Rothstein wrote on X. “North Carolina’s moral clarity on this matter sets a clear example from which other states ought to draw inspiration as Jews around the world desperately seek assurances of their own safety.”

According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), antisemitic incidents in North Carolina surged by 287% in 2023 compared to the previous year and 403% compared to 2021.

The ‘Shalom Act’, which passed the Senate during a second reading, now awaits the signature of Governor Roy Cooper. While Cooper has often expressed his support for North Carolina’s Jewish population, he has come under fire for criticizing Israel’s defensive war against Hamas.

“In Israel’s attempts to defend itself and to rid itself of Hamas, you’re seeing devastating consequences to civilians, women, and children,” Cooper said during a March interview with Technician. “There needs to be a two-state solution here. We need the Arab countries to come together.”

While Cooper’s comments about Israel certainly raise concerns, analysts predict the North Carolina governor will sign it into law considered the overwhelming bipartisan support the Shalom Act received with 47 voting in favor and 2 against.

UPDATE: Governor Cooper signed House Bill 942 into law on Monday, July 1.

The preceding article originally appeared on June 28, 2024 at the Jewish Breaking News website and is made available here for educational purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Title 17 U.S.C. section 106A-117 of the U.S. Copyright Law.