North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed the Shalom Act into law on July 1st, adopting a working definition of anti-Semitism amid a spike in reported incidents in the state. The bill aims to address and combat anti-Semitic behavior, which has been on the rise in Asheville and other areas since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began.
The Anti-Defamation League has reported over 5,000 anti-Semitic incidents between October 7 and December 31, 2023, with more than 50% referencing Israel, Zionism, or Palestine. The Shalom Act uses the definition established by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) to help educate law enforcement, educational institutions, and community members on recognizing and addressing anti-Semitism.
Local incidents in Asheville, such as attacks on individuals at a public library and outside a restaurant, have highlighted the need to combat anti-Semitism and promote tolerance in the community. Senator Julie Mayfield stresses the importance of speaking out against hate and avoiding situations that could turn violent.
Community leaders like Meredith Weisel from the Anti-Defamation League and Senator Mayfield are urging proactive measures to support peace and prevent further incidents of hate speech and violence. The adoption of the Shalom Act is a step towards creating a safer and more inclusive environment for all individuals in North Carolina.
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