Chicago Embraces International Antisemitism Definition as New York Reverses Course
CHICAGO, Ill. — In a striking contrast between two of America’s largest cities, Chicago has unanimously adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism into municipal law, while New York City recently reversed a similar policy. This divergence underscores the complexities and differing strategies cities are employing to address a surge in antisemitic incidents nationwide.
The Chicago City Council’s unanimous vote came after persistent advocacy by two college students, Michael Kaminsky from DePaul University and Jake Rymer from the University of Chicago. Both young activists mobilized city leaders following a sharp increase in antisemitic harassment on campuses and in public spaces after the Hamas terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2025. Kaminsky, himself a survivor of a 2024 hate crime on campus, and Rymer spent months lobbying council members to adopt the IHRA definition, which provides a comprehensive framework to identify and respond to modern antisemitism.
The ordinance’s passage marks a rare instance of swift legislative action driven by grassroots activism rather than veteran politicians. Supporters argue that codifying the IHRA definition equips law enforcement and city agencies with a clear, internationally recognized standard to better recognize and combat antisemitic acts. The move has been welcomed by Jewish communities in Illinois who have called for tangible measures beyond rhetoric to address the growing threat.
In contrast, New York City, which had previously adopted the IHRA definition, recently rolled back the policy amid debates over its implications for free speech and concerns raised by some civil rights groups. The city’s decision has sparked controversy and highlighted the challenges urban centers face in balancing hate crime prevention with constitutional protections.
Chicago’s ordinance follows a troubling pattern of hate crimes in the region. Adam Erkan, a 20-year-old who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery for attacking two Jewish students at DePaul University last year, was sentenced to two years probation and 100 hours of community service. Incidents like these have galvanized activists and city officials alike to pursue stronger legal tools.
The IHRA working definition, endorsed by numerous governments and organizations worldwide, outlines various manifestations of antisemitism, including certain forms of criticism of Israel that cross into hate speech. Its adoption by Chicago aligns the city with international efforts to standardize the recognition of antisemitism and improve responses to hate crimes.
Experts note that Chicago’s approach may serve as a model for other municipalities grappling with similar challenges. The city’s efforts also coincide with broader federal initiatives to address hate crimes, such as those coordinated by the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and data collection by the FBI Hate Crimes Program. Meanwhile, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency continues to monitor threats targeting religious and ethnic communities.
As antisemitic incidents continue to rise nationally, the contrasting policies of Chicago and New York City reflect the ongoing debate over the best methods to confront hate while safeguarding civil liberties. Chicago’s unanimous adoption of the IHRA definition signals a commitment to clear standards and proactive measures, a stance that may influence other cities and states in the months ahead.
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