COLUMBIA, S.C. — In response to a surge in antisemitic incidents, South Carolina lawmakers are advancing a bill that would formally adopt the definition of antisemitism into state law.
According to the FBI, more than half of all hate crimes related to religion across the country are perpetrated against Jews, who only make up 2% of all Americans.
There were 44 antisemitic instances in South Carolina last year, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
The bill, sponsored by Representative Beth Bernstein, the only Jewish member of the General Assembly, aims to provide a clear framework for identifying and combating hate directed at the Jewish community.
“I think by passing this type of bill I think the Jewish community would feel a sense of support and protection of what we’re seeing around the nation of this uptick in antisemitic instances,” said Bernstein.
The definition was established by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, also endorsed by the US State Department.
It’s defined as, “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.”
“It has tremendous importance. It's deeply meaningful. And if you cannot define it, how can then how then can you get rid of it, identify it, and then fight it?,” said Rabbi Hesh Epstein.
Bernstein added the definition does not include any criticisms against Israel.
“So, it’s really in a human resources arena right now to determine if an employee was being discriminated against and it was antisemitic,” said Bernstein.
Epstein, reflecting on the past six months since the Hamas attack on Israel, highlighted the challenges faced by the Jewish community.
“It's been a very tough time. Lots of ups and downs, lots of highs and lows,” said Epstein.
Bernstein and Epstein say the bill would have a bigger impact if South Carolina passed a hate crimes law.
"If somebody spray-painted a swastika on a synagogue, that could be just vandalism, you know, a minor thing, but if you have a hate crime bill, then it is identified as what it really is, which is an attempt to try to direct hate towards a specific group of people," Epstein stated.
the House passed a hate crimes bill last year, but is awaiting approval in the senate.
The proposed legislation has garnered broad bipartisan support in the House.
The bill now awaits approval from the full Senate before potentially becoming law.
This initiative aligns with similar efforts in 33 other states that have adopted comparable definitions.