A VICTORY FOR NC JEWISH COMMUNITIES: Governor Cooper Signs Shalom Act into NC Law

On Monday, July 1, 2024, Governor Roy Cooper signed the Shalom Act into North Carolina law. Present for this historic moment were Glenda Bernhardt, Greensboro Jewish Federation Chief Executive Officer, and Jenny Kaiser, Federation Board President, along with representatives of Jewish communities across the state.

On Monday, July 1, 2024, Governor Roy Cooper signed the Shalom Act into North Carolina law. Present for this historic moment were Glenda Bernhardt, Greensboro Jewish Federation Chief Executive Officer, and Jenny Kaiser, Federation Board President, along with representatives of Jewish communities across the state.

The new law, which passed in the Senate with a vote of 45-2 and in the House with a vote of 105-3, aims to combat the rise of antisemitism by officially adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Definition of Antisemitism. Despite the unprecedented rise of antisemitic incidents across the United States, nearly onethird of Americans say they either do not know the meaning of antisemitism or have never heard the word. Adopting the IHRA definition ensures that antisemitism is clearly and comprehensively defined across North Carolina, thereby offering better protection and response to antisemitic acts.

The IHRA definition is the preeminent and most commonly accepted definition of antisemitism, adopted by more than 1,000 governments, universities, and NGOs worldwide and over 30 states in the U.S., as well as the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Department of Education.

It is important to note that the Shalom Act does not revise any existing anti-discrimination policies, limit freedom of speech, or outlaw criticism of Israel or the Israeli government. Rather, it provides guidance to public officials on applying existing laws, helping public institutions stay compliant with federal civil rights obligations. Moreover, it serves as an important tool to help understand and educate others and as a respected resource to better understand why certain speech may constitute antisemitism, which is offensive, intolerant, and harmful.

Governor Cooper released the following statement on the signing: “Defining antisemitism is important to stopping it, and this new law helps do that as antisemitic incidents are on the rise. While we protect the right to free speech, this legislation helps to make our state a more welcoming, inclusive and safe place for everyone.”