A little background, even if I'm preaching to the faithful. So, here's the bill itself: https://mylrc.sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/266416.pdf It only incorporates the IHRA's "working definition of antisemitism" into South Dakota legal code. What is that definition? It's here: https://holocaustremembrance.com/resources/working-definition-antisemitism. It's a "working definition", thereby manipulable by the IHRA at any time. Why is this controversial? Because the "working definition" incorporates opposing the actions of the State of Israel into the definition of antisemitism, specifically in the latter paragraphs:
"Contemporary examples of antisemitism in public life, the media, schools, the workplace, and in the religious sphere could, taking into account the overall context, include, but are not limited to [selection of points mentioning Israel follows]:
"Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.
"Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.
"Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
"Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.
"Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
"Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel."
I decry collectivism as much as the next individualist, and I would never think that because an individual is Jewish, he or she supports Israel's genocidal actions in Gaza or even the existence of the State of Israel. One only finds that out through observation. And, boy howdy, are we finding out!
Indeed, the first sentence of the working definition is a canard. "Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews." May be. May not be. We decide what that perception is, not you.
A little background, even if I'm preaching to the faithful. So, here's the bill itself: https://mylrc.sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/266416.pdf It only incorporates the IHRA's "working definition of antisemitism" into South Dakota legal code. What is that definition? It's here: https://holocaustremembrance.com/resources/working-definition-antisemitism. It's a "working definition", thereby manipulable by the IHRA at any time. Why is this controversial? Because the "working definition" incorporates opposing the actions of the State of Israel into the definition of antisemitism, specifically in the latter paragraphs:
"Contemporary examples of antisemitism in public life, the media, schools, the workplace, and in the religious sphere could, taking into account the overall context, include, but are not limited to [selection of points mentioning Israel follows]:
"Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.
"Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.
"Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
"Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.
"Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
"Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel."
I decry collectivism as much as the next individualist, and I would never think that because an individual is Jewish, he or she supports Israel's genocidal actions in Gaza or even the existence of the State of Israel. One only finds that out through observation. And, boy howdy, are we finding out!
Indeed, the first sentence of the working definition is a canard. "Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews." May be. May not be. We decide what that perception is, not you.