Israel Katz, Israel's Foreign Affairs Minister and a member of Likud, recently lauded South Dakota for adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, a move reflecting a growing international consensus against anti-Semitism and its newest forms, including anti-Zionism.
This development occurred as South Dakota's Governor Kristi Noem enacted HB 1076 into law, making it obligatory to utilize the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism in probing allegations of discrimination or unfair practices within the state. Katz commended Governor Noem, acknowledging her as a staunch ally of Israel, for her decisive action. This law aligns South Dakota with thirty-three other U.S. states that have recognized the IHRA definition, a critical step in the global fight against anti-Semitism.
I commend the Governor of South Dakota @KristiNoem, a true friend of Israel, on her decision to join 33 other states in the United States and adopt the IHRA definition which considers anti-Zionism as anti-Semitism, as an official law in her state.
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) March 7, 2024
Since October 7th, we see the… https://t.co/YoRFpUxzIC
Katz's statement highlighted a concerning trend: the rise in Jewish hatred and support for Hamas's terror activities, viewing these as contemporary manifestations of anti-Semitism. He emphatically stated that Hamas's goal to annihilate the State of Israel stems from a deeper, more sinister desire to eradicate the Jewish people entirely.
In response to a UN report, released on October 7, which accused Hamas of severe sexual violence, Katz initiated a diplomatic campaign aimed at urging the UN to label Hamas as a terrorist organization. He mandated Israel's diplomatic corps to leverage the report in media interviews, social media engagements, and discussions with policymakers to advocate for an immediate Security Council session to address the findings. Katz's directive underscores his view that the UN's lackluster response emboldens Hamas, indicating a tacit acceptance of its heinous acts, thus avoiding any potential repercussions for the group.
Distinguished women leaders,
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) March 6, 2024
Following the publication of the @UN report on sexual violence committed by the Hamas terror organization, it is critical to hear your voice as international women leaders, in order to put an end to the atrocities that Israeli women are going through… pic.twitter.com/LRmQM3jQMK
The Foreign Minister's efforts extend beyond this immediate campaign. He is actively working with states across the U.S. to encourage the adoption of the IHRA antisemitism definition, aiming for a unanimous recognition that would not only bolster the fight against anti-Semitism but also support Israel's stance against groups like Hamas that threaten its existence and the safety of its people.
BREAKING:
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) March 5, 2024
Israel’s foreign minister Israel Katz says the UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres has:
“brought the organization to the lowest level” pic.twitter.com/ECoHJuKZTv
These actions by Katz and the State of Israel reflect a broader strategy to combat anti-Semitism on a global scale, promote Israel's security, and ensure the preservation of the memory of the Holocaust. Through diplomatic channels and legislative advocacy, Israel continues to forge alliances and garner support for its cause, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding the Jewish people and their right to self-determination in their ancestral homeland.
