March 6, 2024<\/p>\n
Contact:\u00a0Amelia Joy<\/a><\/p>\n Governor Noem Signs Historic Bill to Combat Antisemitism into Law<\/strong><\/p>\n PIERRE, S.D.\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed\u00a0HB 1076<\/a>, which requires the consideration of the definition of antisemitism when investigating unfair or discriminatory practices, into law.<\/p>\n \u201cEver since the horrific terrorist attacks on the State of Israel on October 7th, 2023, we have seen a shocking spike in antisemitic acts of hatred around the world, including some isolated incidents right here in South Dakota,\u201d said\u00a0Governor Noem<\/strong>. \u201cI am very proud to sign this historic bill to keep our Jewish people secure. I hope more states will follow our leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n This bill defines antisemitism and makes it easier to prove when discriminatory conduct is motivated by antisemitism. This important and impactful legislation will ensure the safety of Jewish people and strengthen South Dakota\u2019s anti-discrimination laws.<\/p>\n Governor Noem was joined by Elan Carr, the CEO of the Israeli-American Council for Action, nationally renowned Jewish leader and founder of the Jacobson Society Dan Rosen, Rabbi Dr. Mark Goldfeder, the Director of the National Jewish Advocacy Center, Rabbi Mendel Alperowitz of the Chabad Jewish Center of South Dakota, Renie Schreiber, on behalf of Yinam Cohen, Consul General of Israel to the Midwest, Jordan Cope from Stand With Us, the prime sponsors of the bill Representative Fred Deutsch and Senator Jim Mehlhaff, and many other prominent Jewish leaders.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is an important moment at an urgent time,\u201d said\u00a0Elan S. Carr, CEO of the Israeli-American Council and former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism<\/strong>. \u201cBy adopting into law and implementing the global standard for defining antisemitism, South Dakota is making a powerful statement that the evil of Jew-hatred has no place in our state or our country. We are deeply grateful to Gov. Noem and to the state legislature, especially to Rep. Deutsch and Sen. Mehlhaff, for showing principled leadership and for embodying the best of American values. Given the horrors of 10\/7 and the appalling rise of anti-Jewish violence and discrimination since, this could not have come at a more important time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSince October 7th<\/sup>, antisemitism has skyrocketed across this country by roughly 400%. And part of the problem is you cannot fight something you cannot define,\u201d said\u00a0Mark Goldfeder, Director of the National Jewish Advocacy Center<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cBy adopting this bill and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, South Dakota has sent a clear message that there is no place for hate in this state.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf a Jewish child in South Dakota is going to be more safe and more protected, it\u2019s going to be because we did here today,\u201d said\u00a0Rabbi Mendel<\/strong>.<\/p>\n A photo of Governor Noem signing this historic legislation can be found\u00a0here<\/a>. You can view the full bill signing ceremony\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Governor Noem has signed 137 bills into law this legislative session.<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n
![here<\/a>. You can view the full bill signing ceremony\u00a0](\"https:\/\/governor.sd.gov\/doc\/3-6-24_01.jpg\"){kind=link}