By Evan Goldman
It can take a compass to find good public policy coming out of Tallahassee, but HB 187 by Rep. Michael Gottlieb (D-Plantation), is a notable exception. Like with Islamophobia and anti-Black racism, inflammatory political rhetoric has given rise to a precipitous rise in antisemitism. During the two-month period after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, the Anti-Defamation League recorded 2,031 antisemitic incidents of assault, harassment and vandalism, a 337% increase over the same period a year earlier.
Rep. Gottlieb’s bill, which was sponsored in the Florida Senate by Sen. Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach), will help law enforcement prosecute crimes against Jews by codifying into law the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews,” and rhetorical and manifestations of such hatred “directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals, their property, community institutions and religious facilities.” It includes 11 examples of antisemitism including “dehumanizing” stereotypes that Jews control industries and government, “demonizing” symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism such as blood libel, Holocaust denial, and double standards when criticizing Israel, the only Jewish-majority country.
Significantly, the bill explicitly provides that the term “antisemitism” does not apply to criticism of Israel that is similar to criticism of any other country and also states that the measure “may not be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment … or to conflict with federal or state anti-discrimination laws.”
The Jewish Federation of Broward County advocated for the bill and a multi-racial, interfaith delegation from the Alcee L. Hastings Broward Black-Jewish Alliance traveled to Tallahassee support of final passage, which coincided with Florida’s first ever “Israel Day at the Capitol.” Sponsored by Nole-Pac and the Consulate of Israel, the event celebrated the rich diversity and innovate spirit of the Israeli people. Rep. Gottlieb’s bill now heads to the Governor for his signature.
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