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ORDER NO. 2023-02 1
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AN ORDER OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION 3
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… Directing the Port of Seattle Executive Director, or 5
Designee, to Utilize the International Holocaust 6
Remembrance Alliance Working Definition of 7
“Antisemitism” When Developing Policies and Training 8
Programs to Help Identify and Combat Antisemitism. 9
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PROPOSED 11
JANUARY 24, 2023 12
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INTRODUCTION 14
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On May 26, 2016, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (“IHRA”) members 16
which at the time, comprised of 31 countries, including the United States adopted the working 17
definition of “Antisemitism,” as follows: 18
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“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred 20
toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed 21
toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish 22
community institutions and religious facilities.” 23
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On April 26, 2022, the Port of Seattle Commission passed a proclamation committing to 25
annually commemorate the tragic history of the holocaust and current rise in antisemitism, as well 26
as to reflect on the lessons they hold on our lives today. The Commission, through adoption of 27
this Order, recognizes that annual commemoration and further commits to identifying and 28
combatting antisemitism in the Port’s own policies and training programs. 29
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TEXT OF THE ORDER 31
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The Port Commission hereby directs the Port of Seattle Executive Director, or designee, to utilize 33
the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of 34
“Antisemitism” when developing policies and training programs to help identify and combat 35
antisemitism. 36
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STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE ORDER 38
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January 27th is International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorating the 40
anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the Nazi’s largest concentration camp. International 41
Holocaust Remembrance Day is a day to not only recognize the systemic, state-sponsored 42
persecution and murder of six (6) million Jews and millions and others by the Nazi regime and its 43
allies in World War II, but to also develop educational programs to help prevent future genocides. 44
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Item no. 4a_order
Meeting date: January 24, 2023
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Antisemitism is antithetical to the basic principles of tolerance, pluralism, and democracy, 46
and the shared values that bind Americans and many allies together. An essential tool in combating 47
antisemitism is the ability to define antisemitism in each of its multiple forms. The IHRA’s 48
working definition has proven to be an essential tool for government and law enforcement agencies 49
in the United States as they work to identify contemporary manifestations of antisemitism, 50
including the Nazi salute, and respond directly to them by providing training and education. As 51
of November 2022, 30 states and the District of Columbia are using or have recognized the 52
importance of the IHRA’s definition. 53
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On June 14, 2021, the US Congress passed Senate Resolution 252 unequivocally 55
condemning the rise of antisemitic violence occurring in the United States and standing in 56
solidarity with those affected by antisemitism and for other purposes. On March 30, 2022, the US 57
Senate confirmed Deborah Lipstadt as a special envoy to monitor and combat the continued rise 58
in antisemitism and to implement policies and projects to support efforts to combat antisemitism. 59
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State and local officials and institutions can play a powerful role in promoting tolerance 61
and pluralism, and in protecting citizens from acts of hate and bigotry motivated by discriminatory 62
animus, including antisemitism. The Cities of Tacoma and Bellevue have adopted the IHRA’s 63
working definition of antisemitism and the Washington State Senate has resolved to combat 64
antisemitism in all its forms. Hate and bias are not acceptable in our community and the Port of 65
Seattle remains committed to our vision of welcoming the world and recognizing our diversity as 66
a key strength for our region and our character. 67
