Naples adopts IHRA definition of antisemitism

By Allen Menkin, MD, CAMERA/Naples Christians and Jews United

Mayor Theresa Heitmann’s proclamation adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism as official policy was unanimously approved by the Naples City Council at its regularly scheduled meeting on March 6. The proclamation augments the council’s previous declaration of support for Israel and the Jewish community of Naples following Oct. 7. Naples is the first city in Southwest Florida to take this step.

According to the proclamation, this is “a symbol of our stance against religious intolerance and persecution…” and acknowledgment that “antisemitism is an expression of hatred which uniquely targets Jews and warrants specific attention.”

Descriptions, “IHRA” included, are seldom perfect, but this provides an international, consensus definition of antisemitism that has been accepted by a plurality of states, including Florida, where it was adopted by three counties and over 15 municipalities.

Critically, it goes beyond a core discussion of antisemitism as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities” to incorporate examples of antizionism.

You can’t hit what you can’t see, and IHRA lets us “see” antisemitism more clearly.