Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Oyster Bay Town Board unanimously passed an official resolution today formalizing the Town’s definition of Antisemitism. Working with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), the Town Board today adopted the organization’s official definition, further enhancing the Town’s stance against any sort of hatred or bias.
Supervisor Saladino stated, “Hatred, bias, or intolerance of any kind have no place in our Town. We have previously demonstrated that we will not tolerate any sort of detestable acts in our communities, and this recent effort further enhances that promise.”
The Town coordinated with the American Jewish Committee of Long Island, a local chapter of a global advocacy organization that works to connect with communities and enhance the wellbeing of Jewish people and Israel, while supporting democratic values and human rights for all. According to a recent report published by the American Jewish Committee, 9 out of every 10 American Jews believe antisemitism is a problem in our country, while only 6 out of 10 in the general public believe so. Additionally, the study found that 50 percent of the general public is unfamiliar with the definition of antisemitism.
“The American Jewish Committee Long Island Region is grateful to Supervisor Saladino and the Town of Oyster Bay Board for adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition of Antisemitism. The definition, which has been adopted by nearly 30 countries, including the U.S., and numerous multilateral bodies, is the definitive definition of antisemitism. The Town of Oyster Bay increases the momentum for passage by municipalities and joins the Town of Hempstead and the City of Glen Cove, in leading the way with adoption of the definition on Long Island. We look forward to more jurisdictions adopting the definition to enhance education on antisemitism and aid in prevention and reporting of antisemitic incidents,” added American Jewish Committee Long Island Regional Director Eric Post.
In addition to affirming the Town’s stance against antisemitism, the resolution also helps enhance education efforts, as the IHRA definition furthers the explanation what can be categorized as hatred toward both Jewish and non-Jewish individuals, their property, their community institutions and religious facilities.
“We have always sent a clear message of intolerance for any acts of hate in our Town, and have taken measures to help urge acceptance and unity and our communities. The Town is pleased to assist and participate in any way we can to help spread a unified message that bigotry and hatred will not be tolerated,” concluded Supervisor Saladino.