Understanding antisemitism is complicated. So much so, that as of April 29, 2024, the United States Congress was still debating the official definition of the term.
On Monday lawmakers on the House Rules Committee advanced a bipartisan bill attempting to codify the definition of antisemitism — after the panel’s Democrats bashed the measure at length. The Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023 is one of several bills introduced in Congress since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel and the eruption of anti-Israel protests on college campuses.
Just this past weekend on the campus of Washington University, a group of anti-Israel protesters gathered at the east end of the Danforth Campus near Skinker Boulevard where they set up approximately 10 tents and made antisemetic chants including a call for Intifada.
“We are dismayed to see anti-Israel protests at colleges and universities using terms like Intifada, which refers to two periods of indiscriminate violence directed at Jews in Israel,” said Jordan Kadosh, regional director of ADL Heartland. “A call for intifada is a call for violent terrorism that targets civilians.”
With antisemitic incidents both locally and nationally at an all-time high in the wake of the Oct. 7 attack in Israel, discussing and understanding antisemitism has never been timelier.
‘Fighting Bigotry & Hatred’
Kadosh is returning to Mirowitz Center for a second contribution to their “Fighting Bigotry & Hatred” series. He will be speaking Thursday, May 2, at 10:30 a.m.
The “Fighting Bigotry & Hatred” concept was launched in 2022 to be an inclusive conversation about hate, in all its forms.
“Unfortunately, bigotry, racism and intolerance never go away, and the Jewish community understands that pain all too well,” said Laura Bryant, program manager of the Mirowitz Center at Covenant Place. “Our speakers have covered a wide range of issues and struggles, which underscores the universal message of the series – prejudice is always wrong. Period.”
‘Fighting Bigotry & Hatred’ series
When: Thursday, May 2, 10:30- 11:30 a.m.
Where: 8 Millstone Campus Drive
More Info: No cost to register, but RSVP is required. You may register online or email [email protected], or call 314-733-9813.
