For many in Augusta, Wednesday was a time for celebration and reflection.
Gov. Brian Kemp signed House Bill 30 defining and discouraging antisemitism throughout Georgia.
“We’ve seen around the country too many anti-Semitic incidents not be prosecuted because there hasn’t been a clear definition of what antisemitism is,” said Nicky Spivak, executive director of the Jewish Community Center and Federation of Augusta. “So, I think this is a good way to standardize it.”
The bill uses a widely-accepted definition of antisemitism given by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, which is “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.” The bill goes on to say that the IHRA’s definition and examples should be considered as evidence of discrimination.
Antisemitism bill:Georgia governor signs bill that would define antisemitism in state law