What is Antisemitism Awareness Act, Passed By US House?

The US House of Representatives has approved the Antisemitism Awareness Act, aimed at broadening the understanding of antisemitism in national discussions, particularly in response to tensions on college campuses. Led by Representatives Mike Lawler and Josh Gottheimer, and supported by a bipartisan coalition, the bill passed with a vote of 320-91.

“In every generation, the Jewish people have been scapegoated, harassed, evicted from their homeland and murdered,” stated Lawler.

The Act, which received unanimous endorsement from both parties in October last year, gained increased significance following a deadly Hamas attack that sparked reports of antisemitism at US universities. It mandates the Department of Education to adopt the definition of antisemitism outlined in the Holocaust resolution.

The definition characterizes antisemitism as a certain perception of Jews expressed through hatred towards them, along with specific examples, including prevalent rhetoric on college campuses. The new definition will also encompass denying Jewish self-determination in their ancestral homeland of Israel.

Colleges that fail to protect Jewish students under the new legislation could face civil rights enforcement. However, some Democratic lawmakers, such as Rep. Jerry Nadler, voiced concerns, fearing that the bill might impede constitutionally-protected free speech, including criticisms of Israel.

Nadler, who is Jewish himself, pointed out the bill’s potential bias towards a singular definition of antisemitism, cautioning that it could “chill” legitimate discourse.

The recent surge in antisemitism has been particularly evident on nearly 30 campuses, amid tensions related to the Gaza conflict.