Use of the Working Definition in the U.S.

The Working Definition in the United States | In December 2019, the White House signed an executive order on antisemitism.  AJC praised the order’s call for the U.S. Department of Education and other Federal agencies to take into consideration the IHRA Working Definition when determining if Jewish students are facing hostility or discrimination.  An earlier version of the Working Definition was first employed by the State Department in 2006 and it has guided its international monitoring work since then. Most recently, the Biden Administration supported the IHRA Working Definition's use.
 
At the local level, AJC is encouraging local, state, regional and national bodies to endorse the use of the Working Definition as a valuable educational tool to identify and combat antisemitism. As of August 2024, 35 states plus the District of Columbia, either through proclamation, executive order, or legislation, are using or have recognized the importance of the IHRA definition: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho,  Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, MIssouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

The working definition has also been adopted at the county/city level in the following places:

1. City of Beverly Hills, CA | The decision was announced during a Beverly Hills City Council meeting on January 28, 2020.
2. City of Palm Beach Gardens, FL |On March 5, 2020, the City of Palm Beach Gardens adopted the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
3. City of Highland Park, NJ | In March 2020, the city of Highland Park in New Jersey passed a resolution condemning antisemitism and adopting the IHRA Working Definition.
4. County of Miami-Dade, FL | In May 2020, Miami-Dade County passed a resolution defining antisemitism; directing the Miami-Dade Police Department to consider and document antisemitism in enforcing the Florida Criminal Code; requiring a report regarding the implementation of such policy within 90 days; and encouraging all other municipalities within Miami-Dade County to pass similar legislation.
5. Town of Juno Beach, FL | In September 2020, the Town Council of the Town of Juno Beach, FL passed resolution 2020-8, adopting the IHRA working definition of antisemitism.
6. City of Coral Gables, FL | In September 2020 the City of Coral Gables passed a resolution endorsing the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
7. Town of Golden Beach, FL |  In September 2020 the Town of Golden Beach passed a resolution endorsing the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
8. City of Miami, FL |  In September 2020 the City of Miami passed a resolution  endorsing the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
9. City of Doral, FL | In October 2020 the City of Doral, FL passed a resolution endorsing the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
10. Town of Bay Harbor Islands, FL | In October 2020 the Town of Bay Harbor Islands passed a resolution endorsing the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
11. City of Miami Beach, FL | n October 2020 the City of Miami Beach, FL passed a resolution endorsing the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
12. City of North Bay Village, FL |n October 2020 the City of North Bay Village passed a resolution endorsing the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
13. Village of Forest Park, IL | The Village of Forest Park unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. AJC Chicago was highlighted on WBBM Newsradio regarding the resolution’s passage.
14. Borough of Woodcliff Lakes, NJ | The Borough of Woodcliff Lakes adopted a resolution written by AJC adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
15. City of Glen Cove, NY | The City of Glen Cove on Long Island’s north shore approved a resolution (6-E) to adopt the IHRA Working Definition.
16. Village of Lincolnwood, IL | The Village of Lincolnwood unanimously voted to adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism after AJC Chicago made a presentation to the Trustees.
17. City of Hialeah Gardens, FL | The City of Hialeah Gardens, FL passed a resolution adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism..
18. Town of Hempstead, NY | The Town of Hempstead, NY partnered with AJC Long Island to pass a resolution adopting the IHRA Working Definition.
19. Town of Oyster Bay, NY | The Town of Oyster Bay, NY on Long Island unanimously passed a resolution adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
20. City of Sunny Isles Beach, FL | In December 2020, the City of Sunny Isles Beach, FL unanimously passed a resolution adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
21. North Hempstead, NY | On February 24, 2021, the Town of North Hempstead on Long Island passed a resolution unanimously adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
22. Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony, FL | On March 8, 2021, the Mayors and Commissioners of the Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony unanimously passed a resolution adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
23. Town of Sharon, MA | On March 23, 2021, Sharon became the first municipality in Massachusetts to adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
24. County of St. Louis, MO | On March 23, 2021, St. Louis County Council unanimously adopted Resolution 6673, adopting word-by-word the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
25. Town of New Castle, NY | On June 8, the Town of New Castle, NY adopted the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism in a powerful resolution condemning antisemitism.
26. Nassau County, NY | On January 23, 2021, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran signed an Executive Order ordering all County departments and officials in the County Executive branch of government to be guided by the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, in complying with, implementing and enforcing laws or regulations that prohibit acts of antisemitic discrimination or harassment.
27. Suffolk County, NY | On June 21, 2021, Steven Bellone, County Executive of Suffolk County, signed an Executive Order directing Suffolk County to use the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism as the county’s definition of antisemitism; and authorizing, empowering, and directing the county’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Human Rights Commission, Police Department, and Office of Minority Affairs to use the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism “as an educational resource to address and prevent bias related activities motivated by antisemitism.”
28. Village of North Palm Beach, FL | The Village of North Palm Beach adopted a resolution “recognizing the growing problem of antisemitism in America, adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition of Antisemitism as an educational tool and denouncing hate crimes against Jews and antisemitism in all its forms.”
29. Palm Beach County, FL | On July 13, 2021, Palm Beach County (1.5 million residents) passed a resolution adopting the IHRA Working Definition and ensuring the definition is available as an educational resource for local law enforcement and other government agencies.
30. Gary, IN | The Gary, Indiana City Council adopted a resolution endorsing the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
31. Village of Great Neck, NY | The Village of Great Neck unanimously adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism during a Board of Trustees meeting.
32. Town of Clinton, NJ | In August 2020, the Clinton Town Council adopted the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
33. Westfield, NJ | On September 14, 2021, the town of Westfield passed a resolution recognizing the growing problem of antisemitism and calling for the adoption of the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism as an educational tool to address it.
34. Scotch Plains, NJ | On September 21, 2021, the Township of Scotch Plains adopted a resolution recognizing the growing problem of antisemitism and calling for adoption of the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism as an educational tool to address it.
35. Fanwood, NJ | The Fanwood, New Jersey Town Council adopted a resolution endorsing the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
36. Key Biscayne, FL | In November 2020, the Village Council of Village of Key Biscayne, Florida adopted a resolution condemning rising antisemitism and adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
37. Huntington, NY | On September 14th, 2021 the Huntington Town Board voted to adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism in a show of support to combat the rise of antisemitism in the United States.
38. Champaign, IL | On October 26, the Mayor of Champaign, Deborah Frank Feinen, issued
    a proclamation on combating antisemitism and endorsing the IHRA definition.
39. Rockford, Illinois | On October 27, 2021 during a meeting where AJC was invited to speak, the Mayor of Rockford, Tom McNamara, signed a proclamation endorsing the IHRA definition and proclaimed October 27th an “Annual Day of Action to Combat Antisemitism in Rockford.” Click here to see the media coverage of the event by ABC 17
    Eyewitness News. 
40. Southampton, NY | On January 25, 2022, AJC Long Island worked with the Town of Southampton Board and Supervisor to pass a resolution adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
41. South Windsor, CT | After an antisemitism briefing for the South Windsor Town Council, the Town Council voted to adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
42. Antisemitism Resolution in Greenburgh, NY | The town of Greenburgh, NY passed a resolution condemning antisemitism. The resolution highlights examples of antisemitism in Greenburgh, the region and around the world and directs the Greenburgh Police to provide the Town Board with an annual report on antisemitic acts within its jurisdiction. 
43. IHRA Adoption in Wethersfeld, CT | Wethersfield, CT Human Rights Commission unanimously adopted the IHRA Working Definition.
44. IHRA Adoption in Middletown, NJ | The Middletown Town Council passed a resolution adopting the IHRA definition. Middletown is the 16th largest municipality in New Jersey and largest in Monmouth County.
45. Washington, DC | The Washington DC City Council unanimously approved a resolution condemning antisemitism, including anti-Zionism, and recognizing the IHRA Working
    Definition of Antisemitism.
46. IHRA Adoption by Human Rights Commissions of Clinton and Mansfield, CT | The Human Rights Commissions of Clinton, CT and Mansfield, CT adopted the IHRA working definition of antisemitism and are formally recommending their town councils adopt the IHRA working definition.
47. West Palm Beach, FL | On April 18, the City of West Palm Beach adopted the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
48. Pinecrest, FL | The Village of Pinecrest, FL  passed the IHRA definition resolution.
49. Yorktown, NY | On June 7, 2022, the Yorktown town council adopted the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism Tuesday night.
50. Arlington County, VA | On June 21, 2022, the Arlington, Virginia County Board
    unanimously adopted the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
51. Farmington, CT | In July 2022, Farmington, CT council adopted the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
52. Flemington Borough, NJ | On July 11, the Flemington Borough passed a resolution adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
53. Rockville Centre, NY | In September 2022, with the help of AJC Long Island, the Village of Rockville Centre adopted the IHRA Working Definition. The adoption followed three antisemitic incidents/events in the past year, including two marches by the Proud Boys and flyers dropped by an individual affiliated with the Goyim Defense League.
54. Stamford, CT | On September 21, 2022, Stamford, CT Mayor Caroline Simmons held a special ceremony on the eve of Rosh Hashanah specifically chosen to issue a proclamation adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism and also officially signing the AJC-U.S. Conference of Mayors initiative, “Mayors United Against Antisemitism”.
55. Bellevue, WA | On September 28, 2022, Bellevue City Council adopted the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
56. Brigantine, NJ | On October 19th, 2022, the Brigantine, NJ City Council adopted the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism following a series of meetings and conversations with AJC, in response to recent antisemitic incidents in the community. Mayor Vince Sera - NJ and Council Members hosted a special ceremony adopting the definition and spoke out strongly against antisemitism and presented AJC with the proclamation.
57. Los Angeles City Council | On November 1, 2022, following hours of public debate, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously passed a resolution adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
58. Montgomery Council Council (MD) | On November 1, 2022, the Montgomery County (MD) Council unanimously adopted a resolution to address and combat antisemitism, including reference to the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
59. Village of Lindenhurst | The Village of Lindenhurst passed a resolution adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism as part of a resolution supporting AJC Long Island’s Municipal Leaders Against Antisemitism.
60. El Paso, TX | On November 22, the El Paso City Council passed a resolution adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. AJC Dallas President provided the city council with sample resolutions, aiding them in their efforts.
61. Snohomish County, WA | On December 1,2022, Snohomish County, WA , the third largest county in Washington, formally adopted the IHRA Working Definition through a proclamation by their county executive. Privately, AJC Seattle and the Mayors United Against Antisemitism campaign were credited for leading the way for the Proclamation.
62. Warren, MI | The Mayor of Warren, MI issued a proclamation on combating antisemitism which adopts the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
63. Westchester County | In January 2023, Westchester County Executive George Latimer issued an executive order adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
64. Princeton, NJ | As a result of 18 months of advocacy by AJC New Jersey, on January 23, 2023, Princeton passed an antisemitism and hate crimes resolution that included language about the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism and its examples, especially as they relate to Israel.
65. Livingston, NJ | As a result of 18 months of advocacy by AJC New Jersey, on February 13th the town of Livingston adopted the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, following a presentation by AJC New Jersey.
66. Des Moines, WA | On February 23, 2023, the City Council of Des Moines, Washington issued a proclamation condemning antisemitism, which it defines using the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
67. Cincinnati, OH | In March 2023, the Cincinnati City Council formally adopted the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism unanimously, led by Council Member Mark Jeffreys.
68. Boca Raton, FL | In April 2023, after over a year of advocacy by AJC Palm Beach, the City of Boca Raton adopted the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
69. Dallas, TX | On April 26th, the Dallas City Council approved a resolution adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism along with its 11 contemporary examples. The resolution went into effect immediately after its unanimous passage. AJC Regional Director Joel Schwitzer suggested the Workforce, Education and Equity Committee consider a resolution adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. Schwitzer told the Texas Jewish Post, in an article announcing the resolution’s adoption, “We cannot possibly fight antisemitism in the absence of an agreed-upon definition. The IHRA definition has become the gold standard, adopted by over 40 countries, 29 states and dozens of county and municipal governments.”
70. Long Beach, NY | On June 20, 2023, after advocacy by AJC Long Island, the Council of the City of Long Beach, NY passed a resolution adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, resolving the city is “authorized, empowered, and directed to use the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism as an educational resource to address and prevent bias related activities motivated by antisemitism.” 
71. Woodbine, NJ | On July 20, 2023, the Borough of Woodbine, County of Cape May, New Jersey, adopted a resolution directing officials to use the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism as an educational tool.
72. Margate, NJ | Following AJC engagement and information-sharing, the Margate town council adopted a resolution condemning the rise in antisemitism and adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. AJC Philadelphia/South New Jersey Director Marcia Bronstein addressed the town council meeting at which the resolution was adopted.
73. Longport, NJ | Following AJC engagement and information-sharing, the Longport town council adopted a resolution condemning the rise in antisemitism and adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
74. Ventnor, NJ | Following AJC engagement and information-sharing, the Ventnor town council adopted a resolution condemning the rise in antisemitism and adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
75. Woodbine, NJ | Following AJC engagement and information-sharing, the Woodbine town council adopted resolutions condemning the rise in antisemitism and adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. AJC Philadelphia/South New Jersey Director Marcia Bronstein personally accepted the resolution.
76. Kansas City, MO | As a result of advocacy by JCRB|AJC Kansas City, the city of Kansas City adopted a resolution recognizing the growing problem of antisemitism and adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. 
77. Leawood, KS | As a result of advocacy by JCRB|AJC Kansas City, the city of Leawood adopted a resolution recognizing the growing problem and antisemitism and adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. 
78. Mission, KS | As a result of advocacy by JCRB|AJC Kansas City, the city of Mission adopted a resolution recognizing the growing problem and antisemitism and adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.  
79. Fairway, KS | As a result of advocacy by JCRB|AJC Kansas City, the city of Fairway adopted a resolution recognizing the growing problem and antisemitism and adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. 
80. Johnson County, KS | As a result of advocacy by JCRB|AJC Kansas City, Johnson County  adopted a resolution recognizing the growing problem and antisemitism and adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. 
81. Prairie Village, KS | As a result of advocacy by JCRB|AJC Kansas City, the city of Prairie Village adopted a resolution recognizing the growing problem and antisemitism and adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. 
82. Overland Park, KS | As a result of advocacy by JCRB|AJC Kansas City, the city of Overland Park adopted a resolution recognizing the growing problem and antisemitism and adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.  
83. North Kansas City, MO | As a result of advocacy by JCRB|AJC Kansas City, North Kansas City adopted a resolution recognizing the growing problem and antisemitism and adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.  
84. Roeland Park, KS | As a direct result of advocacy by JCRB|AJC Kansas City, the city of Roeland Park adopted a resolution recognizing the growing problem and antisemitism and adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. JCRB|AJC Kansas City Director Gavriela Geller delivered remarks in support of the resolution. 
85. Warren Township, NJ | On September 21, 2023, as a result of AJC advocacy and following an incident of antisemitic graffiti on a playground, Warren Township adopted the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. 
86. Bremerton, WA | In January 2024, the City Council of Bremerton, WA adopted the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. AJC Washington was specifically recognized by the Resolution's sponsor for our work in bringing this forward as leaders in the local Jewish community.