OpEd: Standing Together Against Antisemitism: A Victory in El Cajon

By Dan Pritsker

EL CAJON, California — The El Cajon City Council unanimously adopted a resolution on Tuesday, March 25, that defines antisemitism using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition.

At first glance, this may seem like a matter of semantics — but it’s far more significant. When we try to explain what antisemitism is, we often reference classical antisemitic libels. These outdated tropes seem so absurd today that they help underscore just how baseless and harmful antisemitism is. But these tropes are no longer the primary form of antisemitism we encounter.

In today’s world, it’s unlikely that someone in 2025 will accuse Jews of killing Christian children and using their blood to bake matzah. This is precisely why the IHRA definition is vital: it addresses modern forms of antisemitism. Today, many antisemites dehumanize Jews by denying the legitimacy of the Jewish state or questioning the Jewish people’s fundamental right to self-determination, rights afforded to every other nation.

The IHRA definition brings much-needed relevance to the conversation, equipping organizations and governments with a practical framework to identify and respond to antisemitism in all its modern forms. StandWithUs is spearheading the initiative to bring IHRA to San Diego, one of the few large cities in the USA that has not yet adopted the definition.

Despite the clarity and non-controversial nature of the IHRA definition, opponents — many motivated by anti-Israel or antisemitic agendas — showed up to speak against the resolution. Ironically, their arguments only highlighted why the definition is needed. Although the IHRA explicitly states that criticism of Israel’s government is not inherently antisemitic — a point that both council members and the city manager reiterated — protesters continued to spread falsehoods. In essence, they were wrongly claiming, “These Jews are taking away our freedom of speech.”

At times, I had to pinch myself to be sure some of the comments were real. One non-Jewish woman claimed that antisemitism doesn’t exist. Another laughed and cracked jokes as Mayor Bill Wells described the horrors committed by Hamas on October 7th — including the targeting of pregnant women. The cruelty and denial on display were deeply disturbing.

In contrast, it was deeply moving to witness the extraordinary coalition of community leaders, allies, and residents who came together to support the resolution. The effort was led by Liat Cohen–Reeis, Director of the Antisemitism Task Force at StandWithUs, who played a crucial role in mobilizing a diverse group of voices.

Of course, the unanimous vote was an important victory. But what Cohen-Reeis accomplished by uniting so many people from different walks of life was truly remarkable. Christian allies stood with us, including a pastor who spoke of his community’s deep connection to the Jewish people.

Nicole Murray-Ramirez, a lifelong human rights activist and chair of the San Diego Human Relations Commission, emphasized how hatred toward Jews is part of the same hate that targets all marginalized communities. Fabienne Perlov, regional director of the ADL, spoke powerfully about the alarming rise in antisemitism and the need for this definition. Oz Laniado, Regional Director of StandWithUs, reminded everyone that the IHRA definition does not infringe on freedom of speech.

Rabbi Scott Meltzer of Ohr Shalom Synagogue  and numerous Jewish community members shared their personal stories and experiences with antisemitism. Their authenticity added a powerful layer of meaning.

Over the past 18 months, it has often felt as though Jews have been left to fight for their survival alone. But that evening at the El Cajon City Council meeting offered something different: hope. Witnessing leaders and everyday citizens show up — on a busy weekday — to stand united against antisemitism was truly uplifting.

What if we could set aside our political differences, religious beliefs, or organizational affiliations, and come together simply as human beings — united against hate?

StandWithUs will continue to bring IHRA to other municipalities to ensure a safer environment for the Jews of San Diego.

I don’t know if we can ever fully eradicate antisemitism. But by continuing to stand together, we can make a better future — not just for Jews, but for everyone.

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Dan Pritsker is a pro-Israel activist.