(BALTIMORE, MD, 10/21/22) – Join interfaith advocates and civil rights activists in calling on Maryland’s Montgomery County Council to reject considering a resolution that 1) mentions the disputed International Holocaust Remembrance Association’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, or 2) contains language from the definition, because it has raised significant concerns about free speech rights in the defense of Palestinian human rights.
The county council could hold a vote on the resolution as soon as Tuesday, October 25.
TAKE ACTION: CLICK HERE TO CONTACT THE COUNTY COUNCIL
The original drafter of the IHRA definition called it a “working definition” that was meant to help collect data on incidents of antisemitic hate and testified to the U.S. Congress that if government bodies “enshrine this definition into law, outside groups will try and suppress – rather than answer – political speech they don’t like. The academy, Jewish students, and faculty teaching about Jewish issues, will all suffer.”
The American Association of University Professors (AAUP), the largest organization of university professors and other academics in the United States, has publicly, vocally and strongly opposed the IHRA definition, issuing a policy document making the case for how “academic and intellectual freedom are threatened because the definition regards Palestinian activism as a form of discrimination.”
SEE: Largest organization of university professors attacks IHRA definition of anti-Semitism
Interfaith advocates and groups, including CAIR, are urging the council to condemn all forms of bigotry, including antisemitism, without threatening human rights activism or free speech protections.
In July, the Montgomery County Council postponed its vote on a resolution adopting the IHRA definition and examples of antisemitism.
Over the summer, numerous Muslim, Jewish, Arab, Palestinian and civil rights groups publicly opposed the county adopting the IHRA definition for its ambiguity and negative implications for free speech and criticism of Israel’s human rights record.
These groups are now urging the county council to:
- REJECT any resolution that includes IHRA’s controversial, problematic definition of antisemitism because its risks chilling free speech by wrongly conflating it with criticism of Israel.
- OPPOSE any revised resolution that contains language from the IHRA definition.
- RESPECT diversity of opinions among constituents and do not adopt any controversial definitions on the consent agenda.
- OPEN DICUSSION for public comment if the council does move forward with either the original resolution, or a revised resolution that contains language from IHRA’s definition.
CAIR joined other groups and previously called on county council members to oppose adopting the IHRA’s definition. That call led to the county’s delayed consideration of the IHRA resolution.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Office in Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Mitchell, e-mitchell@cair.com