Summary

The Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023, recently passed in the House, aims to define antisemitism amidst campus protests criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza, citing a rise in antisemitism in US educational institutions and adopting the IHRA's definition. The bill passed with a vote of 320-91, with bipartisan support, but faced opposition from both Democrats and Republicans, particularly concerning its inclusion of certain Bible passages as antisemitic and its potential infringement on free speech regarding Israel. Supporters emphasize the necessity of distinguishing between protests and antisemitic harassment to safeguard Jewish students. However, critics fear the bill's broad scope and limitations on speech may hinder academic freedom and impede discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The bill's implications on campus protests vary, with some believing it will protect Jewish students from violence while others argue it could suppress vital information about Israel and Zionism, possibly constraining dialogue on the conflict and branding calls for a free Palestine as antisemitic, intensifying controversy as it heads to the Senate.

For those who read...

This week, we’re breaking down the Antisemitism Awareness Act passed in the House last week.

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What the bill says:

• The Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023 seeks to clearly define antisemitism amid ongoing campus protests condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza. According to the bill, antisemitism is on the rise in educational institutions throughout the US. Congress plans to curb that trend through enforcing the definition of antisemitism put forward by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). 
• That definition includes several offenses, including violence against Jewish people, Holocaust denial, harmful allegations about the Jewish people, and quote “targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity.”

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Partisan perspectives:

• The US House passed the legislation last week in a 320-91 vote, with 70 Democrats and 21 Republicans voting against the measure. Those in favor highlight the need for a hard line between protesting Israel and antisemitic harassment in order to protect Jewish students.
• However, those on the right have voiced their critiques. The bill identifies that quote “claims of Jews killing Jesus” are antisemitic. Representatives such as Margorie Taylor Greene argue that that definition would outlaw parts of the Bible that claim Jesus was crucified by the Jews.
• On the other end, the bill has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats for its broad scope and limitation of free speech. They argue that its criminalization of political speech about Israel could be used to constrain academic freedom and censor difficult conversations about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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Impact on Campus Protests:

• The bill, being a response to the protests, has several implications. Some argue that it will protect Jewish students from antisemitic violence on college campuses, where they have reported a growing concern for their safety. Others claim it will limit the information available about Israel or Zionism, essential tools to understanding the conflict and reaching an understanding.

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Have a wonderful Wednesday, and thank you for listening to Current2 Politics, your inside scoop on the issues that matter.

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Contents of the Antisemitism Awareness Act (Congress, IHRA)

Most legislators believe bill to protect Jewish students (NPR, NBC)

Republicans argue bill outlaws Bible (NYT)

Democrats believe bill will limit free speech (USNews)

Prospective impact of the bill on campus protests (AP, InsideHigherEd)