Item no. 4a_order
Meeting date: January 24, 2023
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ORDER NO. 2023-02
AN ORDER OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION
… Directing the Port of Seattle Executive Director, or
Designee, to Utilize the International Holocaust
Remembrance
Alliance
Working
Definition
of
“Antisemitism” When Developing Policies and Training
Programs to Help Identify and Combat Antisemitism.
PROPOSED
JANUARY 24, 2023
INTRODUCTION
On May 26, 2016, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (“IHRA”) members
which at the time, comprised of 31 countries, including the United States adopted the working
definition of “Antisemitism,” as follows:
“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.”
On April 26, 2022, the Port of Seattle Commission passed a proclamation committing to
annually commemorate the tragic history of the holocaust and current rise in antisemitism, as well
as to reflect on the lessons they hold on our lives today. The Commission, through adoption of
this Order, recognizes that annual commemoration and further commits to identifying and
combatting antisemitism in the Port’s own policies and training programs.
TEXT OF THE ORDER
The Port Commission hereby directs the Port of Seattle Executive Director, or designee, to utilize
the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of
“Antisemitism” when developing policies and training programs to help identify and combat
antisemitism.
STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE ORDER
January 27th is International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorating the
anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the Nazi’s largest concentration camp. International
Holocaust Remembrance Day is a day to not only recognize the systemic, state-sponsored
persecution and murder of six (6) million Jews and millions and others by the Nazi regime and its
allies in World War II, but to also develop educational programs to help prevent future genocides.

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Antisemitism is antithetical to the basic principles of tolerance, pluralism, and democracy,
and the shared values that bind Americans and many allies together. An essential tool in combating
antisemitism is the ability to define antisemitism in each of its multiple forms. The IHRA’s
working definition has proven to be an essential tool for government and law enforcement agencies
in the United States as they work to identify contemporary manifestations of antisemitism,
including the Nazi salute, and respond directly to them by providing training and education. As
of November 2022, 30 states and the District of Columbia are using or have recognized the
importance of the IHRA’s definition.
On June 14, 2021, the US Congress passed Senate Resolution 252 unequivocally
condemning the rise of antisemitic violence occurring in the United States and standing in
solidarity with those affected by antisemitism and for other purposes. On March 30, 2022, the US
Senate confirmed Deborah Lipstadt as a special envoy to monitor and combat the continued rise
in antisemitism and to implement policies and projects to support efforts to combat antisemitism.
State and local officials and institutions can play a powerful role in promoting tolerance
and pluralism, and in protecting citizens from acts of hate and bigotry motivated by discriminatory
animus, including antisemitism. The Cities of Tacoma and Bellevue have adopted the IHRA’s
working definition of antisemitism and the Washington State Senate has resolved to combat
antisemitism in all its forms. Hate and bias are not acceptable in our community and the Port of
Seattle remains committed to our vision of welcoming the world and recognizing our diversity as
a key strength for our region and our character.

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