Combating Antisemitism

March 17, 2026

Jewish Federation of Central New York Statement on Adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism

On January 15, 2026 the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Central New York adopted, by unanimous vote, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) non-legally binding Working Definition of Antisemitism (“the IHRA definition”). The following is a link to the official working definition: https://holocaustremembrance.com/resources/working-definition-antisemitism.

The IHRA Definition provides a clear and comprehensive framework for understanding the nature of antisemitism and identifying its various manifestations. The IHRA Definition is an important tool for assessing how certain expressions may play on longstanding and deeply offensive anti-Jewish tropes and canards. It is primarily used to determine if unlawful conduct, such as harassment and discrimination, is motivated by such anti-Jewish animus.

The IHRA Definition has been readily endorsed as a helpful educational tool for understanding the Jewish lived experience. Building on the knowledge of experts from over 30 countries, the IHRA Definition provides guidance for recognizing the types of hatred that Jews have experienced both historically and in contemporary times.

Adopted in 2016 by the IHRA’s member states, the IHRA Definition is today widely regarded as a consensus definition and has garnered bipartisan support. More than 1,200 entities around the world have adopted, endorsed, and promoted the IHRA Definition, including over 160 Jewish communities and organizations from over sixty-five countries. The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations have also adopted the IHRA Definition.

To date, the IHRA Definition has been formally adopted by the U.S. federal government and all its agencies, 37 U.S. states, and nearly 100 U.S. cities and municipalities. Through a 2022 proclamation, the State of New York has embraced the IHRA Definition. Additionally, hundreds of educational institutions, business enterprises, sports associations, and civil society organizations have adopted it. The IHRA Definition thus represents a significant milestone in the effort to counter and combat antisemitism.

The Jewish Federation of Central New York’s decision to adopt the IHRA Definition is both timely and necessary. Following the October 7th massacre and the ensuing Israel-Hamas war, incidents of discrimination, harassment, and violence directed against Jewish communities in the United States and around the world have dramatically increased.

The vast majority of American Jews have felt less safe since October 7, and most have altered their behavior in some way out of fear of antisemitism. In New York State, antisemitism has surged to alarming record-high levels. Pursuant to the most recent data from New York State and the FBI, 88% of all religious-based hate crime in our State has targeted Jews (which is 44% of all reported hate crimes throughout the State, which rises to over 50% in New York City). Antisemitic incidents continue to rise nationally, with 70% of all religious- based hate crimes nationally targeting Jews despite Jewish people comprising approximately 2% of the US population. Especially over the past 2 1⁄2 years, college campuses, synagogues, and Jewish institutions throughout New York State have been targeted and victimized by antisemitism.

In its commitment to educate and inform the Syracuse community about antisemitism, the Jewish Federation of Central New York proudly stands behind its decision to adopt the IHRA Definition. We thank our local Jewish community for its ongoing support.

Community Relations Committee Mandate

The CRC shall be composed of both Federation Board members and non-Board members. A majority of the committee, including the Chair and ex-officio members, shall be members of the Federation Board. In composing the committee, the Chair shall consult with the Federation President/CEO and the Federation Board Chair. Diversity across a number of criteria (e.g., viewpoint, age, gender, and synagogue affiliation) shall be prioritized in selecting members of the CRC. The committee shall have no less than 5 members. The Federation President/CEO and the Federation Board Chair shall serve as ex-officio members of the CRC.

The CRC shall strive to meet quarterly in-person, in advance of regularly scheduled Federation Board meetings when possible.

The goals of the CRC are to inform, educate, and hear from the local Jewish Community and the larger Syracuse community on local, national, and international issues that are regarded as significantly affecting the local Jewish community. The CRC seeks to address these matters as appropriate, including by organizing events, mobilizing action, and disseminating resources. The CRC seeks to address issues involving overt or potential antisemitism in the central NY area and shall seek to foster Jewish inclusion within the local community.

Federation Board members shall bring their concerns to the CRC. Similarly, members of the Jewish Community shall be invited to share their concerns with the CRC. The CRC shall assess and evaluate the concerns of members of the Jewish Community and will make recommendations to the Federation President/CEO, Federation Board Chair, and the Federation Board. The CRC shall also provide recommendations to the Federation President/CEO, Federation Board Chair, and Federation Board for fostering positive relationships with other community stakeholders, including other minority groups in the central NY area.