{
	"type": "rich",
	"version": "1.0",
	"provider_name": "Action Network",
	"provider_url": "https://actionnetwork.org",
	
	"html": "<link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/petition/oregon-must-adopt-the-ihra-definition-of-antisemitism?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-petition-area-oregon-must-adopt-the-ihra-definition-of-antisemitism' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div>",
	"author_name": "End Jew Hatred",
	"author_url": "https://actionnetwork.org/groups/end-jew-hatred-2",
	"title": "Oregon must adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism",
	"thumbnail_url": "https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/petitions/photos/000/548/402/normal/PHOTO-2024-09-05-16-54-31_(1).jpg",
	"description": "Dear Distinguished Oregon Representatives, We write to you to enlist your support to enact the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism (the “definition”), including its examples of contemporary antisemitism, into Oregon state law. Specifically, the IHRA Definition states that: “Antisemitism is 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” (1a). As we witness a troubling departure from our core American values of justice and equality, we urge you to codify the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into Oregon state law. This letter highlights how adopting this definition can protect rights and improve the quality of life for all Oregonians, per Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. IHRA is an intergovernmental organization with 35 member countries and 9 observer countries. It was founded in 1998 to address challenges related to the Holocaust and Genocide of the Roma. IHRA promotes collaboration around issues related to the Holocaust and urges governments and organizations around the world to adopt a consolidated definition of antisemitism. Its primary mission is to foster education, remembrance, and research about what happened in the past to build a world without genocide in the future (1b). With its clear and accurate definition, the IHRA definition is the global standard for fighting antisemitism in its many forms. More than 40 countries, over 38 US states, and more than 1,000 institutions, businesses, and sports leagues have embraced this definition to date. The US State Department has used the IHRA definition of antisemitism to track antisemitism since 2016 (2). The US Department of Education has used the IHRA definition of antisemitism since 2018. This definition covers classical antisemitic tropes: calling for harm against Jews, stereotypes and demonization, and Holocaust denial, as well as more modern forms of antisemitism (3). The need for this legislation in Oregon is clear. Antisemitic incidents sharply increased in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest in 2022, before October 7th happened (4). Now, in a post-October 7th world, it is truly terrifying to see how much antisemitism has become normalized. Here are some quick facts to illustrate this: 1. In 2023, there were 124 reported antisemitic incidents in Oregon, more than triple the 40 incidents reported in 2022 (5a). 2. Antisemitism in Oregon manifests as harassment and intimidation, including threats, slurs, vandalism, assault, distributing hate propaganda, and more (5b). 3. Of the reported cases of antisemitism, 95 involved harassment against Jews, and 27 involved vandalism (5c). These figures are a stark contrast to the historical acceptance that Jewish Americans in Oregon have enjoyed and treasured for decades. It is precisely this change in attitudes and action that is of grave concern and merits immediate attention and proactive legislation. To grasp the extent of antisemitism targeting Jewish citizens in Oregon, consider the following compelling anecdotal evidence: 1. “According to the ADL, an elementary school student in Portland told a Jewish classmate on Sept. 9 that they ‘shouldn&#x27;t be here, all Jews were supposed to have been exterminated during WWII. You guys aren&#x27;t supposed to be here.’” (5d). 2. On May 2, a Portland high school received bomb threats specifically targeting classes with Jewish teachers. These threats were made by a student who had been expelled for engaging in antisemitic behavior (5e). 3. A volunteer with Showing Up for Racial Justice asked the press to withhold her name due to serious safety concerns, citing her fear as “a Jewish person, up against Neo-Nazis” (6). These Oregon citizens should not have to face such threats. Why should a child, a teacher, or a volunteer have to fear for their safety in America? We also need to highlight the surge in antisemitism on American college campuses since October 7. Jewish students have faced threats, assaults, disruptions to their classes due to protests, and confinement in their dorms out of fear of harassment. 1. At the University of Oregon, Jewish students are forced to walk past encampments daily and have encountered graffiti with messages like “F— Zionists” on walls. Protesters have harassed them with phrases such as “F— Israel.” As a result, Jewish students have had to request protection from the university (7). 2. Oregon State University was compelled to issue a statement acknowledging that the Hamas-Israel conflict has triggered “serious incidents of antisemitism” (8). 3. Portland State University was forced to close its campus after protesters vandalized the library with messages such as “We’ll stop occupying this building when Israel stops occupying Palestine.” These disruptive anti-Israel protesters also dismantled the fire alarm system and blocked the stairs with a pile of furniture (9). 4. At Reed College, someone seeking to intimidate Jewish students threw a rock through the window of a Jewish student’s dorm and destroyed the mezuzah—a traditional scroll placed at the entrance of Jewish homes (10). Unfortunately, this list represents only a few of the numerous antisemitic incidents spreading across Oregon. Alarmingly, national rates of antisemitic incidents are also on the rise. A recent survey by the American Jewish Committee shows 42% of Jews reported feeling unsafe about displaying their Jewish identity; 27% feel unsafe setting foot into a synagogue or Jewish Community Center. Additionally, 45% do not feel safe supporting Israel on social media (11). These increases in rates of antisemitic incidents are one of many reasons why the implementation of IHRA is critical now more than ever. Codifying a single definition of antisemitism will enhance the ability to identify, address, and report antisemitic incidents, thereby protecting everyone’s safety. Adopting the IHRA definition provides a clear framework for training, education, and combating antisemitic hate crimes and discrimination. It offers a mechanism for tracking and reporting incidents, giving law enforcement and prosecutors clear guidance. Effective recording and addressing of antisemitism are essential for creating strategies to ensure all citizens&#x27; safety (12). Oregon must join the list of states adopting the IHRA working definition of antisemitism. This step is essential to ensure the safety and protection of Jews in Oregon, allowing them to live securely and fully participate in their communities as Jews and Americans. We ask that you respond appropriately for the Jews of Oregon and support enacting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, including its examples of contemporary antisemitism, into Oregon legal code. As stated earlier, over 38 states across our nation have embraced this definition to date. Supporting this critical legislation will position Oregon alongside the majority of states committed to monitoring and combating antisemitism, upholding our democratic values. We are relying on you to uphold truth and American values by taking decisive action. The future of our democracy depends on our commitment to understanding all forms of antisemitism and affirming that it has no place in America. Your action is needed now. Sincerely, References 1. holocaustremembrance.org 2. www.state.gov/defining-antisemitism/ 3. To broaden the reach of this definition, it also recognizes various forms of contemporary antisemitism. One form is often directed against the State of Israel calls for Israel’s destruction, and labels Israel as uniquely demonic, deserving of boycott and opprobrium. Another version is the continuation of centuries of old traditions of rejecting and shunning Jews. Contemporary antisemitism also stems from multiple sources holding fringe ideologies. Examples include far-right reactionaries, far-left anti-Zionists, and Islamic jihadists and radicals. 4. https://www.heraldandnews.com/news/reports-of-antisemitism-up-63-in-the-pacific-northwest-in-2022/article_9b791aae-c9b9-11ed-aaf9-df59ae2e961c.html 5. https://www.registerguard.com/story/news/state/2024/04/16/oregon-sees-record-breaking-increase-in-antisemitic-incidents/73343916007/ 6. https://www.opb.org/article/2023/03/23/reports-of-antisemitism-up-63-in-the-pacific-northwest-in-2022-resistance-is-up-too/ 7. https://www.kezi.com/news/jewish-students-speak-out-about-protest-at-university-of-oregon-campus/article_a0e17710-0c0d-11ef-897a-530ccc34c080.html 8. https://registrar.oregonstate.edu/student-emails/how-war-israel-and-gaza-affecting-members-our-community 9. https://www.foxnews.com/us/portland-state-university-closes-campus-anti-israel-protesters-occupy-vandalize-library 10. https://www.wweek.com/news/2024/05/16/jewish-student-at-reed-college-is-struck-with-rock-a-day-after-vandalism-of-religious-symbol/ 11. JBN News. “Survey Exposes Shocking Extent of Jewish Fear in America. 10 June 2024. 12. European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance-ECRI’s Opinion on the Working Definition of Antisemitism (adopted at ECRI’s 84th Plenary Meeting on 2 December 2020).",
	"url": "https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/oregon-must-adopt-the-ihra-definition-of-antisemitism"
}