HIGHLAND PARK, Illinois (Press Release) – In an historic unanimous vote of 7-0 on August 11, the Highland Park City Council passed an ordinance that officially adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of Antisemitism.
This landmark legislation positions Highland Park as the first city in Illinois to enshrine this definition through an ordinance rather than a resolution. The ordinance requires the city manager to incorporate the IHRA working definition and its eleven contemporary examples when implementing employment and anti-discrimination policies.
StandWithUs extends its heartfelt gratitude to Councilmember Annette Lidawer for her leadership and determination in advancing this essential legislation. The organization also thanks Mayor Nancy Rotering for facilitating the ordinance’s vote and acknowledges the contributions of Highland Park residents, including Allen Rosenbaum, Steve Hefter, Richard Becker, Janice Hefter, and Osnat Lichtenfeld. By adopting the IHRA definition, Highland Park takes a significant step in combating antisemitism and recognizing its various manifestations.
Council member Annette Lidawer says of the legislation, “On August 11, this Council took the brave step of enacting an ordinance that adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, and an ordinance which directs our City Manager to ensure ongoing education and training to our staff and publicity on out City website and materials that not only make clear that we condemn all forms of discrimination including antisemitism, but we can identify such behavior in order to combat it.”
City Council member Andrés Tapia hopes that the Highland Park legislation sets a precedent. “Passing this legislation, we will set the standard for other communities in Illinois.
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Preceding provided by StandWithUs