StandWithUs | San Diego Jewish World | May 15, 2025
CHULA VISTA, California — In a unanimous 5-0 vote on May 13, the City of Chula Vista officially adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, marking a significant step forward in the fight against rising antisemitism in the United States.
“We commend the City of Chula Vista for its courageous and principled decision to adopt the IHRA,” said Liat Cohen-Reeis, the Director of the Antisemitism Task Force at StandWithUs San Diego who together with executive director Oz Laniado spearheaded the initiative and attended the hearing.
“At a time when Jewish communities are facing rising hate and discrimination, this action sends a powerful message that Chula Vista stands firmly against antisemitism in all its forms. We are grateful for the city’s leadership in promoting awareness, education, and inclusivity, and we look forward to working together to build a more just and respectful society for all.”
StandWithUs Southwest wholeheartedly thanks Mayor John McCann and the Chula Vista City Council members for their courageous and principled leadership. By embracing the IHRA definition, they have taken a brave, commonsense stand to protect the Jewish community and make clear that hate has no place in their city limits.
StandWithUs Southwest also extends its deepest gratitude to the San Diego community, who showed up in strength, speaking from the heart and standing firm for the common good. Hispanic, African American, Christian, and Jewish community members joined to voice their support for adopting IHRA. Together, they sent the powerful message that antisemitism must be challenged wherever it manifests.
A special note of gratitude to Council Member Michael Inzunza, who said, “I stand with all of you” and suggested an added amendment which states, “whereas the city of Chula Vista condemns any local school district curriculum, state or federal legislation that denies teaching the atrocities of the Holocaust,” which was adopted and accepted by the Mayor with a motion to approve.
Mayor John McCann noted, “Chula Vista has always stood as a beacon of diversity and inclusion. It is our duty to ensure that all members of our community feel safe. Antisemitism is not solely a Jewish issue, it is a societal one.”
The IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, already adopted by over 40 countries, over 30 U.S. states, and over 1,200 institutions worldwide, functions as a critical tool for helping governments, law enforcement, and other institutions identify and respond to unlawful acts of antisemitism. Importantly, the IHRA Working Definition provides eleven crucial examples, helping demonstrate how antisemitism occurs in both older and newer forms.
StandWithUs Southwest remains committed to continuing this work across the region and beyond. The victory in Chula Vista is a meaningful milestone—and a reminder that when communities unite, we can stand up to hate and build a better, safer future for all.
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