What's Happening?
The Chicago City Council has unanimously adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, marking a significant legislative step in addressing antisemitism within
the city. This decision makes Chicago the second-largest city in the United States to incorporate the IHRA definition into its municipal code. The amendment to Section 6-10 of Chicago's municipal code now explicitly includes antisemitism as a form of discrimination. The IHRA defines antisemitism as a certain perception of Jews, which may manifest as hatred toward Jews, and includes rhetorical and physical manifestations directed at Jewish or non-Jewish individuals, their property, and Jewish community institutions. The initiative was led by student leaders Michael Kaminsky and Jake Rymer, alongside Aldermans Debora Silverstein and Raymond Lopez, who began discussions in Spring 2025 in response to rising antisemitism in the city.
Why It's Important?
The adoption of the IHRA definition is a crucial step in providing clear legal grounds to combat antisemitism in Chicago. By defining antisemitism explicitly, the city aims to address and reduce incidents of Jew hatred, which have been on the rise. This legislative move is seen as a victory for the Jewish community, providing them with stronger protections and a framework to address discrimination. It also sets a precedent for other cities to follow, potentially leading to broader national adoption of the IHRA definition. The decision reflects a commitment to safeguarding human rights and ensuring that antisemitism is recognized and addressed as a serious issue.
What's Next?
Following the adoption of the IHRA definition, Chicago is expected to implement measures to enforce this new legal framework. This may include training for law enforcement and public officials to recognize and address antisemitism effectively. The city may also see increased collaboration with Jewish organizations to monitor and report incidents of antisemitism. Other cities may look to Chicago's example as a model for their own legislative efforts to combat antisemitism. The success of this initiative could encourage further dialogue and action at both state and national levels to address antisemitism more comprehensively.
