By Donald H. Harrison
SAN DIEGO — Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-San Diego) voted in the minority against a bill on Wednesday, May 1, that is called the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023. She said the measure “would stifle and restrict free speech in an effort to combat the rise of antisemitism” The measure passed the House by a vote 320-91.
Seventy Democrats and 21 Republicans voted against the measure. The New York Post quoted another Jewish Democrat who opposed the measure, Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, as saying: “Speech that is critical of Israel alone does not constitute unlawful discrimination. It is imperative that we confront the scourge of antisemitism and Congress can help. But this legislation is not the answer.”
The legislation’s lead sponsor, Mike Lawler, a Republican who is Christian, commented: “Some of my colleagues on the left are allowing electoral politics to get in the way of doing what is right. “[It] is absurd to oppose this on the grounds that it somehow limits free speech. Calling for death to Jews is not protected speech.”
Identifying herself as the youngest Jewish member of Congress, Jacobs commented, “I’ve experienced antisemitism all my life. I’ve been called a kike while I was waiting for a drink at a bar when I was at college. I’ve heard too many ‘jokes’ to count about my frizzy hair and my big nose. I remember my classmates who thought it was funny to say people were ‘being Jewed’ when someone was being frugal. I know the hatred and ignorance that lie behind all these comments, and how they can quickly escalate into violence – and I’m deeply concerned about the rise of antisemitism in San Diego and across the country.
“But I do not believe that anti-Zionism is inherently antisemitism. I support Israel’s right to exist, but I also know many people who question whether Israel should exist as a Jewish state who are deeply connected to their Judaism.
“Today, I voted against H.R. 6090, because it fails to effectively address the very real rise of antisemitism, all while defunding colleges and universities across the country and punishing many, if not all, of the non-violent protestors speaking out against the Israeli military’s conduct. Conflating free speech and hate crimes will not make Jewish students any safer. This bill would stifle First Amendment rights to free speech and free assembly. And it would distract from real antisemitism and our efforts to address it.”
Other Democratic Jewish members of Congress, in addition to Jacobs and Nadler, who voted against the measure included Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts, Becca Balint of Vermont, Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon, and Jan Schakowsky of Illinois.
The San Diego delegation to Congress, with the exception of Jacobs, voted in favor of the bill: Republican Darrell Issa, and Democrats Mike Levin, Scott Peters, and Juan Vargas.
Here is the text of the bill, H. R. 6090, as it was introduced on Oct. 26 in the House of Representatives by a bipartisan group of 11 members of Congress, including three who are Jews: Congressmen Josh Gottheimer (D-New Jersey), Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida,) and David Kustoff (R-Tennessee).
The bill’s stated purpose was “to provide for the consideration of a definition of antisemitism set forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for the enforcement of Federal antidiscrimination laws concerning education programs or activities, and for other purposes.”
It read:
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
This Act may be cited as the “Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023”.
It is the sense of Congress that—
(1) title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.), prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance;
(2) while such title does not cover discrimination based solely on religion, individuals who face discrimination based on actual or perceived shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics do not lose protection under such title for also being members of a group that share a common religion;
(3) discrimination against Jews may give rise to a violation of such title when the discrimination is based on race, color, or national origin, which can include discrimination based on actual or perceived shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics;
(4) it is the policy of the United States to enforce such title against prohibited forms of discrimination rooted in antisemitism as vigorously as against all other forms of discrimination prohibited by such title; and
(5) as noted in the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism issued by the White House on May 25, 2023, it is critical to—
(A) increase awareness and understanding of antisemitism, including its threat to America;
(B) improve safety and security for Jewish communities;
(C) reverse the normalization of antisemitism and counter antisemitic discrimination; and
Congress finds the following:
(1) Antisemitism is on the rise in the United States and is impacting Jewish students in K–12 schools, colleges, and universities.
(2) The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (referred to in this Act as the “IHRA”) Working Definition of Antisemitism is a vital tool which helps individuals understand and identify the various manifestations of antisemitism.
(3) On December 11, 2019, Executive Order 13899 extended protections against discrimination under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to individuals subjected to antisemitism on college and university campuses and tasked Federal agencies to consider the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism when enforcing title VI of such Act.
(4) Since 2018, the Department of Education has used the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism when investigating violations of that title VI.
(5) The use of alternative definitions of antisemitism impairs enforcement efforts by adding multiple standards and may fail to identify many of the modern manifestations of antisemitism.
(6) The White House released the first-ever United States National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism on May 25, 2023, making clear that the fight against this hate is a national, bipartisan priority that must be successfully conducted through a whole-of-government-and-society approach.
For purposes of this Act, the term “definition of antisemitism”—
(1) means the definition of antisemitism adopted on May 26, 2016, by the IHRA, of which the United States is a member, which definition has been adopted by the Department of State; and
(2) includes the “[c]ontemporary examples of antisemitism” identified in the IHRA definition.
SEC. 5. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION FOR TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964.
In reviewing, investigating, or deciding whether there has been a violation of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.) on the basis of race, color, or national origin, based on an individual’s actual or perceived shared Jewish ancestry or Jewish ethnic characteristics, the Department of Education shall take into consideration the definition of antisemitism as part of the Department’s assessment of whether the practice was motivated by antisemitic intent.
SEC. 6. OTHER RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.
(a) General Rule Of Construction.—Nothing in this Act shall be construed—
(1) to expand the authority of the Secretary of Education;
(2) to alter the standards pursuant to which the Department of Education makes a determination that harassing conduct amounts to actionable discrimination; or
(3) to diminish or infringe upon the rights protected under any other provision of law that is in effect as of the date of enactment of this Act.
(b) Constitutional Protections.—Nothing in this Act shall be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
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Much of the controversy over the bill deals with the IHRA definition of antisemitism and the appended examples helping to explain its meaning.
That document read: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
“To guide IHRA in its work, the following examples may serve as illustrations:
“Manifestations might include the targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity. However, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic. Antisemitism frequently charges Jews with conspiring to harm humanity, and it is often used to blame Jews for “why things go wrong.” It is expressed in speech, writing, visual forms and action, and employs sinister stereotypes and negative character traits.
“Contemporary examples of antisemitism in public life, the media, schools, the workplace, and in the religious sphere could, taking into account the overall context, include, but are not limited to:
“1. Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extremist view of religion.
“2. Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective — such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other societal institutions.
“3. Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.
“4. Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g. gas chambers) or intentionality of the genocide of the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its supporters and accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust).
“5. Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.
“6. Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.
“7. Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.
“8. Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
“9. Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.
“10. Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
“11. Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.
“Antisemitic acts are criminal when they are so defined by law (for example, denial of the Holocaust or distribution of antisemitic materials in some countries).
“Criminal acts are antisemitic when the targets of attacks, whether they are people or property – such as buildings, schools, places of worship and cemeteries – are selected because they are, or are perceived to be, Jewish or linked to Jews.
“Antisemitic discrimination is the denial to Jews of opportunities or services available to others and is illegal in many countries.”
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Donald H. Harrison is publisher and editor of San Diego Jewish World. He may be contacted via
Given that her partner is the grandson of the mastermind of the Munich murders, this should not be surprising. https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/2018-02-20/ty-article/.premium/grandson-of-munich-massacre-terrorist-is-running-for-congress/0000017f-def6-d856-a37f-fff63c7c0000
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First, I would like to thank Ms. Jacobs for her vote of support last week in getting aid to where it is desperately needed. Although the reason she voted the way she did was to support aid getting into Gaza, at least she voted in favor, and democracy and civilization in the Middle East was, for the time being, supported.
Regarding Ms. Jacob’s vote on HR 6090, it’s unfortunate, but not at all unexpected, that Ms. Jacobs continues to vote against supporting Jews, hiding behind what is framed as her “balanced” perspective.
I suspect had the bill been in support of anti-gay or anti-black or anti-just-about-any-other-discrimination-against-a-group-of-people-based-on-race, religion,or sexual preference or identification, there would be no concerns about the “stifling of free speech” (the non-sensical “reason” being cited for the nay vote, and as if any of the organized campus takeovers have anything to do with free speech) and Ms. Jacob’s would have been a champion.
But if it’s about Jews – predictably – not so much. It’s quite a shame. She’s an embarrassment to the tribe, really.
And I expect her response to these comments, if any, will be more of the same. That she’s trying so hard to be balanced in her perspective and that those of us impacted by her voting behaviors are somehow to blame for calling her out on her detrimental voting record. We are the ones who simply can’t understand.
All we see, Ms. Jacobs, is you leaning far, far away from us so as to be disassociated.
Someone should let her know – they are coming for the Jews, Ms. Jacobs. It’s happening all around us. You are and will have been one of the Capos – and your blood is as Jewish as ours.
Sara voted against H.R. 6090, because it fails to effectively address the very real rise of antisemitism, all while defunding colleges and universities across the country and punishing many, if not all, of the non-violent protestors speaking out against the Israeli military’s conduct. Conflating free speech and hate crimes will not make Jewish students any safer. This bill would stifle First Amendment rights to free speech and free assembly. And it would distract from real antisemitism and our efforts to address it.”
In the popular image, politicians are thought of as clueless, manipulative, dishonest, incompetent and corrupt, taking money in exchange for goods or services, rather than working for the general public good. Sounds like Sara on many levels. Who voted for her?
Let me also remind our readers of one other backstabbing vote for the jewish community.
Her refusal to sign against South Africa’s genocidal claims and her vote against funding restrictions targeting Iranian terrorism have also fueled skepticism about her commitment to Jewish interests. YET AGAIN SHE DIDN’T HELP OUR PLIGHT AS WE ARE IN A STRUGGLE FOR OUR VERY OWN EXISTENCE.
She’s persuaded by the extreme left, evidenced by her frequent travels to Qatar and calls for ceasefires without any release of our hostages.
BILL WILL GET THE JOB DONE!! TAKE THE TIME TO HEAR WHAT HE’S BEEN SAYING!
WE CAN AND MUST DO BETTER FOR SAN DIEGO. LETS BE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY FOR THE JEWISH COMMUNITY. AM ISRAEL CHAI!!!
Andrew Here is the text of the bill, H. R. 6090, as it was introduced on Oct. 26 in the House of Representatives by a bipartisan group of 11 members of Congress, including three who are Jews: Congressmen Josh Gottheimer (D-New Jersey), Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida,) and David Kustoff (R-Tennessee).
I guess these Jews who introduced it are very right wing !
Don your editing was poor making it sound that only Mike lawyer was the lead sponsor . I had to read thru the whole article to see that wasn’t accurate
Bottom line vote and support bill wells . He is a good man and very supportive of the Jewish community ..
With her grand parents money Sara feels privileged. She didn’t achieve anything but just buys her way in with “donations “ from her family associates bussiness like qualcomm. Just check it.
Sara, money can’t buy decency. You should work on this one! We still remember Haman, after all these years. Jews would remember your shameful votes too.
I’m proud Sara voted against the bill. The IHRA definition of antisemtism is so focused on interpersonal hatred it misses the institutional and systemic nature of antisemitism that sets Jews up as scapegoats. Also, critique of Israeli policy is not antisemitism.
I’m worried that so many of my Jewish brothers and sisters are aligning with the Right. Conservatives fuel neo-nazis and real antisemitism (think Charlottesville and Pittsburgh). These are scary times to be Jewish, but allying ourselves with conservatives is not going to keep us safe. Christians United for Israel (CUFI) doesn’t care about Jews. They’ve got their hearts set on bringing about the Rapture, at which point they only care for those who accept Jesus. Doesn’t sound like they’ve got my back, nor yours.
There’s a big difference between criticism of specific acts or policies like saying “I don’t agree with the settlements”, or “Netanyahu should be replaced” and “zionists are pigs” or even the completely false rallying call that “Israel is committing genocide”.
The people who are condemning Israel are not also condemning the actual genocides happening around the world, like the Uyghurs in China, what’s happening in Sudan, Ethiopia, Armenia, etc. They’re only criticizing Israel and holding Israel to a standard that no other nation in the world is held to- that is most definitely antisemitic. I really recommend that you read Noa Tishby’s book “Israel, a simple guide to the most misunderstood country on earth”, and Bari Weiss’ “How to fight antisemitism” and then come back and we can have a real discussion.
I hope the people of San Diego know Sara Jacobs’ beliefs and vote her out next election.
Sara, when we protests long from the river to the sea what does that actually mean to you? Or when kids all over the United States chant this
I WISH HITLER WOULD HAVE FINISHED WHAT HE STARTED! IF HE ONLY KNEW WHAT SAVAGES THE JEWS WOULD BECOME
And beat Jewish students how does that resonate with you? Do you even care about the Jewish future? Where is your concern? I would gladly welcome your opinions. Go ahead I’m waiting. Actually come for Shabbat dinner. Lets discuss.
Sara Jacobs is not a Jew, she just looks Jewish. Ivanka Trump is a real Jew even though she doesn’t look like one. Shame on you Sara Jacobs, you don’t deserve our votes!
Here we are again hurt and disappointed by Sara. How much longer do we have to keep entrusting her to constanly be disappointed in her? Jews of San Diego, she was the only one who did not vote in favor of this bill!
Oh… not the story of how Sara was called “kike” again… She must be underestimating Jewish intelligence and think with this story she can justify her disgraceful vote. Suddenly when it came to making a tougher consequence for jew haters you have become a protector of freedom of speech. When they start killing Jews you would become an ardent defender of second amendment?
Bill Wells represent everything you are not. He is honest, smart, empathetic and cares about community.
So sad . I really think it’s ignorance and you probably don’t understand what you’re doing
At least she is consistent in her views and voting. There is no doubt that Sara Jacobs is a threat to American Jewish community and to American society overall. Promoting hate, bias and violence is just wrong! She shouldn’t be elected again! Cast your vote and vote for Bill Wells! Let’s make sure Sara Jacobs is out!
Ones again Sara Jacobs shows her stand against Jewish community! We don’t know her motives: to please the “squad “ or pro-Palestinian voters, or something else. The facts are clear: she betrayed us. We must vote her out!
It’s apparent that Sara Jacobs votes in line with the Squad members as she has turned her back on the Jewish community unlike Bill Wells, who openly and proudly supports the Jewish community. I can’t say I’m not surprised by her dangerous support of antisemitism. Sara Jacob’s must go ASAP!
Honestly, I have no words. The sadness and disappointment in my heart has no words to say or write. I look forward to voting day so I could literally vote for anyone else to take her place.
What a true disappointment! Shame on her- it’s a start!
The first article that was written was friend or foe? We know based on Sara’s voting record she is no friend to the Jewish community and to Israel. Not to mention that Israel is doing the work for all of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. It’s truly heartbreaking that this one she could not vote yes and yet again she voted against us! There are consequences for her actions. History is doomed to repeat itself if we do not learn from the past. Her time has come and we must vote differently. Sara Jacobs’ repeated poor decisions erode trust in her leadership. Sara doesn’t believe Anti zionism is antisemitism, really? When Jewish students feel threated at higher education, she doesn’t speak up. When jewish students are accosted and locked out of their classrooms. I will remind our readers that Sara graduated from Columbia and she’s seeing students being bullied and harassed. Does she not care? Does it not keep her up at hight? Appearantly not! We still have 134 hostages and we are experiencing the alarming rate of antisemitsm. Its been almost seven months of absolute hell. Really? And she doesn’t speak up for the Jews. Again, it always starts with the Jews but it never ends with the Jews. Once again, saddned but not surprised. We trusted her with an enourmous responsibility and she back stabbed us time and time again. ITS TIME FOR CHANGE!! BYE BYE SARA JACOBS!!!
Wow – what a disappointment!
With friends like this, who needs enemies?
By voting NO on the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs has exercised her 1st Amendment rights. No one restricts her right to speak. However, you exercise your right to free speech, but you are not free from its consequences. We, the People, will now have to show her the door. Our Representative lacks leadership when it comes to establishing a distinction between right and wrong.
Sarah Jacobs stands for the killing of all Jews. No words! Heartbroken!!
Again, like I’ve said before, Sarah Jacob’s always votes, like clockwork – against Jews and Israel. With friends like her, who needs enemies ?
Despicable!! What a disgrace! We won’t forget!! You’ll be voted out!!
The following e-mailed comments were received by San Diego Jewish World which I as editor pass along in the interest of presenting a range of Jewish (and occasionally non-Jewish) opinion:
REACTIONS:
On Wednesday,
(CUFI), the nation’s largest pro-Israel organization released the following statement upon the House of Representatives’ advancement of the Antisemitism Awareness Act:
“CUFI has supported this legislation since 2016 and we welcome its passage through the House, especially at a time when colleges are being overtaken by outside, pro-Hamas, antisemitic agitators.
“We are grateful to Speaker Johnson (R-LA), Reps. Lawler (R-NY), Gottheimer (D-NJ), Miller (R-OH), and Moskowitz (D-FL), for their steadfast leadership in support of this measure. We look forward to Majority Leader Schumer advancing this common-sense bipartisan legislation through the Senate, where it enjoys more than 30 cosponsors, without delay.”
With more than 10 million members, Christians United for Israel is the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States and one of the leading Christian grassroots movements in the world. CUFI spans all fifty states and reaches millions with its educational message.
The CUFI Action Fund, a nonprofit 501(c)(4), nonpartisan organization, is the policy arm of the nation’s largest pro-Israel organization, Christians United for Israel (CUFI). The Action Fund is dedicated to ensuring our elected officials hear the perspective of the millions of Christian Zionists across the country.
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: “The recent rise in antisemitism on college campuses and our country is abhorrent and the worst I have seen in my lifetime. This bill clearly defines antisemitism as, ‘a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.’ No one should object to this definition.
“This moment calls for all of us to condemn and act to end antisemitism and hate. I am particularly appalled by the conflation of the actions of the Israeli government and the Jewish people. I have stated my own concerns about how Israel has carried out its offensive in Gaza and fully support people exercising their First Amendment rights to criticize Israel’s actions. This bill will not limit that right.
“While I voted for this legislation, I wish the process to get here was more collaborative. At a time when we should be unified against antisemitism, some are leveraging the moment to further a partisan agenda and polarize our country. There is much more that needs to be done to combat antisemitism, like increasing funding for the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, so that the Department can expeditiously investigate and address allegations of antisemitism on college campuses. Our work to stop antisemitism cannot end with our vote today. We must follow up with the resources needed to enforce our antidiscrimination and anti-harassment laws.”