RESOLUTION 2023-42 shall take effect immediately
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – At last night’s Regular Council Meeting, Palm Bay City Council unanimously passed a resolution addressing the alarming rise of antisemitism in the United States.
City Council not only recognized the severity of the issue but has taken a significant step forward by adopting the non-binding International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.
The 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.”
Antisemitism, including harassment on the basis of actual or perceived Jewish origin, ancestry, ethnicity, identity, affiliation, or faith, remains a persistent, pervasive, and disturbing problem in American society, prompting cities and communities to confront this issue head-on. Palm Bay City Council, acknowledging the urgency of this matter, has demonstrated its commitment to fostering an inclusive and tolerant community.
Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina stated, “This resolution is a testament to our City’s declaration we stand with Israel after the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Antisemitism has no place in Palm Bay or anywhere for that matter. By adopting the IHRA working definition, we are taking a bold step to address this issue at its core, and I encourage our neighboring communities to do the same. We must all stand against hate and unite in creating a community where everyone can live free from fear, discrimination, and prejudice.”
This resolution reflects the City Council’s dedication to upholding democratic values, human rights, and inclusivity.
By embracing the IHRA working definition, the City of Palm Bay joins the more than 1,212 entities across the world, including 45 countries, over 478 municipalities and regional governments, over 345 educational institutions, and 310 other organizations, that have adopted or endorsed the IHRA Working definition of antisemitism.
The City of Palm Bay values religious diversity and interfaith tolerance, and the Jewish community is an inseparable part of our social fabric, culture, and heritage.
RESOLUTION 2023-42 shall take effect immediately upon the enactment date, December 7, 2023.
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