Last month, Arkansas became the 27th U.S. state to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. The IHRA definition is often referred to as the “gold standard” for defining anti-Semitism, because it contains examples of contemporary anti-Semitism involving, including some that involve demonizing, delegitimizing or double standards against Israel. . Virginia’s legislature also voted to adopt the IHRA definition month, including its contemporary examples. VA Governor Youngkin, who signed an executive order adopting the IHRA definition last year, praised the move and announced his intention to sign the bill into law: “Hate has no place in the Commonwealth and I’m proud to take continued steps to fight anti-Semitism. I am truly inspired by the devotion shown to transform what started as an idea into a law that will change how we combat anti-Semitism in the Commonwealth. I want to thank everyone who poured their heart and soul into seeing this bill pass.” . At the moment, there are efforts to have the IHRA definition adopted by state legislatures in New Jersey, Georgia and Indiana. According to the Combat Antisemitism Movement’s (CAM) 2022 IHRA working definition of antisemitism Adoptions and Endorsements Report, 18 U.S. states adopted IHRA via legislation or executive actions in 2022. . Earlier this year, two counties on opposite ends of the U.S. – Westchester, NY, and Snohomish, WA – adopted IHRA. And Costa Rican Foreign Minister Arnoldo Andre Tinoco expressed his government’s intention to “soon adopt the definition of international anti-Semitism.” The IHRA adoption movement passed a major milestone earlier this year when the 1,100th institution adopted the definition. These developments are indicative of the international momentum to define anti-Semitism – a precursor to combating it – as it increases worldwide. . “Successive United States administrations of both political stripes have embraced the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s legally nonbinding working definition of antisemitism, including its examples,” declared Deputy Special Envoy to Combat and Monitor Antisemitism, Aaron Keyak at a recent international event. “We encourage all participating States that have not yet embraced the working definition to do so and to put it into practice.” . The IHRA definition has been adopted or endorsed by more than 1,100 governments, institutions, and organizations – including the U.S. Departments of State, Education, and Justice – as well as the governments of more than 40 countries, the European Union, and the United Nations. The IHRA Definition has been supported by both Republican and Democrat presidential administrations. . “Defining anti-Semitism…is an important [task], not only because definitional clarity is required for the term to be understood, but also because conceptional sophistication is needed for the…problem to be resolved,” writes Brandeis Center Founder and Chairman Kenneth L. Marcus in his book, ‘The Definition of Anti-Semitism.’” . “The Louis D. Brandeis Center FAQs About Defining Anti-Semitism” fact sheet offers insight on the importance of defining anti-Semitism, discusses the IHRA Definition, and provides guidance on what further steps are needed to utilize this definition. For example, while the IHRA Definition is not legally binding in and of itself, in the U.S., Executive Order 13899, “makes the IHRA Definition a legally binding part of federal anti-discrimination law, in that federal agencies are required to consider the IHRA Definition in determining whether recipients of federal funds (such as institutions of higher education) are in violation of federal law.” . The IHRA definition provides a clear and widely accepted definition of anti-Semitism, which can help institutions and organizations more effectively identify and combat anti-Semitic behavior. This is especially important for recognizing the many forms anti-Semitism can take. Adopting the IHRA definition sends a message that institutions and organizations take the issue of anti-Semitism seriously and stand in solidarity with the Jewish community. . This tidal wave of support serves as a landmark and reminder that support for the definition transcends the political and ideological spectrums. It is a unified stance against Jewish hate.