“I reached out to a friend, accomplished attorney and longtime activist on behalf of the Jewish community Harvey Tettlebaum, to ask about placing a proclamation before Missouri’s governor endorsing the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, including the contemporary examples of antisemitism set forth within,” Smason said.

Together Rabbi Smason and Tettlebaum crafted a draft based on similar proclamations from other states. Tettlebaum got the draft in front of Gov. Parson, who last week announced he would sign it on September 20.

The IHRA definition reads: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestation of antisemitism are directed towards Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions, and religious facilities.”

“We want to take this opportunity to unequivocally reject antisemitism towards Jewish people and bigotry of any kind. Today and every day, we say hate and discrimination have no home in Missouri,” Parson said.

The governor’s proclamation comes on the heels of a recent Anti-Defamation League report showing antisemitic incidents doubled in Missouri between 2021 and 2022.

“The governor of how his many trips to Israel changed his perspective, and you got a profound feeling that he loved and respected the Jewish people, and he and the state were committed to protecting the Jewish people and supporting them,” Smason said.

“The governor’s proclamation is especially noteworthy because it recognizes the contributions of Jewish Americans and sets guidelines for tolerance at a moment when antisemitic activity is the highest it’s ever been,” said Jordan Kadosh, ADL Heartland Regional Director. “We would like to thank Governor Parson for bringing us into early discussions on this effort and for honoring the cultural contributions of all Missourians.”

In remarks to the group after the governor spoke, Smason said the significance of the proclamation is that it is directed to all minorities in Missouri.

“The rising tide lifts all the boats. We are making a stand against all hate.  This proclamation is significant to the Jewish community, but to all minorities as well,” said Smason.