February 12, 2021
Dear Senator:
Thank you for your leadership in the United States Senate.
American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI) is a network of Christian leaders representing over sixty million Americans on mainstream Christian viewpoints on Israel.
We write today out of concern for our country’s security as we see anti-Semitic incidents escalating at an unprecedented rate. We ask that during hearings for President Biden’s nominees that you question them related to their position on combating anti-Semitism, specifically on adoption and implementation of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition within their agency.
IHRA’s working definition states: “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.” It then goes on to list examples to illustrate the definition. (https://www.holocaustremembrance.com/working-definition-antisemitism)
IHRA, of which the United States is a member, adopted a non-legally binding “working definition” of anti-Semitism on May 26, 2016. The U.S. State Department and Department of Education use this working definition and have encouraged other governments and international organizations to use it as well.
Thank you for considering this request as we work towards ridding the world of this evil scourge.
Most respectfully,
