(JTA) — For the first time, a U.S. state has officially adopted a definition of anti-Semitism that has ignited debates worldwide over the extent to which criticism of Israel should be considered anti-Semitic.

Lawmakers in Kentucky voted to adopt the definition developed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Association, known as IHRA, on Wednesday as part of a broad resolution aimed at condemning anti-Semitism.

The hearing and vote, which was unanimous, came as a surprise to the state legislature’s only Jewish member, according to the Louisville Courier Journal. But state Sen. Karen Berg quickly signed on as a co-sponsor.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

“The desecration of Jewish cemeteries and congregations and community centers — it’s increasing,” Berg, a Louisville Democrat, told the newspaper. “And everybody knows it’s increasing. It’s part of the whole hate that we got to put away.”

Rabbi Shlomo Litvin of Chabad of the Bluegrass told the newspaper he helped craft the resolution as a response to what he said were “disturbing incidents here in Kentucky.” Chabad of the Bluegrass has reported multiple incidents at its Lexington building, including an assault during Hanukkah.

The resolution does not make clear what force the adoption will hold, if any, in the state. Advocates for the definition, which was first published in 2016, say having a clear and common definition of anti-Semitism is helpful in identifying Jew-hatred. But its critics say it stifles free speech by identifying some forms of Israel criticism as anti-Semitic.

The Forward is free to read, but it isn’t free to produce

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward.

Now more than ever, American Jews need independent news they can trust, with reporting driven by truth, not ideology. We serve you, not any ideological agenda.

At a time when other newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall and invested additional resources to report on the ground from Israel and around the U.S. on the impact of the war, rising antisemitism and polarized discourse.

Readers like you make it all possible. Support our work by becoming a Forward Member and connect with our journalism and your community.

This is a great time to support independent Jewish journalism you rely on. Make a gift today!

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

$90 $180

$360

Other amount