Nassau Standard

Congressman Anthony D'Esposito has put forth the Define to Defeat Act, a significant legislative proposal aiming to bring clarity to the legal definition of antisemitism. This act, if approved, would implement the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism in the enforcement of civil rights laws. By doing so, the legislation would equip federal officials with a clear and contemporary definition of antisemitism, enabling them to effectively evaluate and address criminal and discriminatory incidents rooted in antisemitism.

In a statement, Rep. D'Esposito highlighted the urgent need for such legislation, emphasizing the surge in antisemitic attacks globally, particularly following the October 7 attacks on Israel. He stated, "Following the October 7 attacks on Israel, Jews around the world, including in America and New York, endured and continue to endure record-breaking levels of antisemitic attacks and hate." The Congressman underscored the importance of providing federal officials with the necessary tools to combat this concerning trend, saying, "My legislation would provide federal officials the tools they need to fully assess, investigate, and prosecute this criminal behavior."

The Define to Defeat Act aims to clarify existing laws rather than introduce new ones or establish a new protected class. By aligning with the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, the act seeks to assist federal officials in fulfilling their civil rights obligations concerning crimes motivated by bias and hate. This clarification is crucial in preventing individuals from exploiting legal loopholes, such as falsely attributing attacks on Jewish entities or individuals to "anti-Israel" sentiments.

Overall, the introduction of the Define to Defeat Act represents a proactive step towards addressing and combating antisemitism through legal means, providing a framework that enhances the ability of authorities to identify, investigate, and prosecute acts of antisemitic nature effectively.