Highland Park Adopts IHRA Definition Of Antisemitism In Unanimous Vote

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The Highland Park City Council voted unanimously to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism this week.

At Monday's City Council meeting, council members recognized the disproportionate impact of antisemitic hate crimes in the community and emphasized the importance of combating discrimination.

The IHRA working definition of antisemitism is:

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

According to FBI date released in 2024, single-bias anti-Jewish hate crimes made up 68 percent of all reported religion-based hate crimes in 2023. The newly adopted ordinance implements anti-discrimination measures and provides ongoing education to the community

Various Jewish organizations and council members expressed their support for the ordinance and communicated their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion within Highland Park.

"Why should Highland Park be a leader in this particular antisemitism statement? I think the answer should be obvious. We care about every individual, no matter what demographic they represent," said Andrés Tapia, the only non-Jewish member of the City Council.

Earlier this summer, the community was rocked when a threatening, antisemitic letter was sent to a Highland Park residence. The residents found the letter in their mailbox on June 15, which sparked a hazmat response.

"It is a reminder that even in a place like Highland Park—where we strive to lead with compassion and inclusion—hate can still find its way to our doorstep," Mayor Nancy Rotering said in a statement at the time.