'We are proud to stand united': Augusta-area Jewish leaders react to antisemitism bill

Miguel Legoas, Augusta Chronicle
·2 min read
FILE - Head Rabbi Zalman Fischer lights the menorah during the Chabad of Augusta's annual Chanukah ceremony and Grand Menorah Lighting in Evans Towne Center Park on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. Members of the Jewish community are celebrating the signing of HB 30 defining and discouraging antisemitism.
FILE - Head Rabbi Zalman Fischer lights the menorah during the Chabad of Augusta's annual Chanukah ceremony and Grand Menorah Lighting in Evans Towne Center Park on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. Members of the Jewish community are celebrating the signing of HB 30 defining and discouraging antisemitism.
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For many in Augusta, Wednesday was a time for celebration and reflection.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed House Bill 30 defining and discouraging antisemitism throughout Georgia.

"We've seen around the country too many anti-Semitic incidents not be prosecuted because there hasn't been a clear definition of what antisemitism is," said Nicky Spivak, executive director of the Jewish Community Center and Federation of Augusta. "So, I think this is a good way to standardize it."

The bill uses a widely-accepted definition of antisemitism given by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, which is "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." The bill goes on to say that the IHRA's definition and examples should be considered as evidence of discrimination.

Antisemitism bill: Georgia governor signs bill that would define antisemitism in state law

This is something for which Rabbi David Sirull of Adas Yeshurun Synagogue in Augusta has been waiting.

"I've been talking about it in my classes for weeks if not years," Sirull said. "I'm grateful to not only be a Georgian but to be in Augusta. It's a fantastic place for a person of faith to live. The Jewish community has been made to feel so welcome here."

The leaders of the Augusta Jewish Museum echoed similar thoughts, with the museum issuing the following statement via email:

"We are thrilled to feel support from the state of Georgia, and as Gov. Brian Kemp stated, this does not and will not right all wrongs, but it is a good place to start. ... The effects of antisemitism have been felt heavily on a state and national level, and many organizations have been urging support from Georgia for the past three months. We exist to preserve and interpret Jewish history from the CSRA, and hope that people will take this as an opportunity to learn and grow."

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta Jewish leaders react to HB 30, antisemitism legislation