Davis County Commission adopts resolution condemning antisemitism, endorses IHRA working definition

The Davis County Commission on June 9 adopted a resolution condemning antisemitism and endorsing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) nonbinding working definition of antisemitism following a presentation by Lisa Katz of the Anti-Defamation League.

"The IHRA working definition helps decision makers recognize antisemitism in all of its forms," Lisa Katz, chief government affairs officer with the Combat Antisemitism Movement, told commissioners during a telephonic presentation. Katz said the definition is an educational tool that does not create crimes or penalties and “does not empower the government to silence criticism.”

Commissioner John Crops moved to approve the item identified on the agenda as Resolution 20 20 six-twenty 1; a second was recorded and the commission adopted the resolution by voice vote. Commissioners answered “aye” when the chair called for the vote.

Katz emphasized that the definition distinguishes legitimate criticism of Israel from conduct that targets Jews collectively, saying officials need clear language to identify hateful conduct. She told the commission that Jewish residents, while making up a very small percentage of the U.S. population, are the target of a disproportionate share of reported hate crimes and that county officials should be prepared to recognize those dynamics.

Following the vote, Commissioners and staff welcomed the clarity the definition is intended to provide. The resolution, as discussed at the meeting, is nonbinding policy guidance for county officials, educators and law enforcement and does not create new penalties or criminal offenses.

The commission’s action came after a public presentation and discussion; the motion was approved by voice vote with no roll-call tally provided in the meeting record. The adopted resolution and Katz’s presentation do not change county criminal law, and county officials said the measure is intended to improve recognition and response to antisemitic incidents.