The Manhattan Beach City Council has approved a resolution to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of anti-Semitism and also to condemn anti-Semitism in all forms.
The resolution, introduced by Councilmember Hildy Stern, was approved 5-0.
The definition reads as follows: “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 full text of the resolution can be seen in Item 16 of Tuesday night’s City Council agenda.)
“This is a hard time for our community,” said Stern, referencing a recent spate of hate attacks in the community. “People are asking us to do something, to do more, to do whatever we can…There’s isn’t a place where we can say we’ve done enough. And our community is saying we haven’t done enough. And I join in that, because it’s still occurring.”
Stern acknowledged that observing an official definition of anti-Semitism was “just one step,” but it was an important step to guide conversations forward.
She also mentioned that she was part of a new working group that included leaders from the Manhattan Beach school district, as well as religious, business, city, and community leaders to find the best ways to educate and combat hate.
“It’s harmful – and it should be harmful to anybody whether you’re a Jew or not, knowing that there’s that kind of hate out there,” said Stern.
