(Highland Park, Illinois – August 11, 2025) – 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.
Peggy Shapiro, Director of Policy and Outreach at StandWithUs, praised the groundbreaking ordinance, saying “Antisemitism is surging —Across the world, across our nation, and right here in Highland Park. The FBI reports that although Jews make up just over 2% of the U.S. population, they are the targets of more than 68% of all religiously motivated hate crimes. And that’s only the crimes that are reported. This legislation is a critical first step in the fight against the rise of antisemitism nationwide. In order to combat this hatred, we must first clearly define it. Highland Park’s adoption of the IHRA definition is especially significant, given its location within the greater Chicago area, which has recently experienced a staggering 58% increase in antisemitic hate crimes.”
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.”
Yossi Held, Midwest Executive Director of StandWithUs appreciates the clarity the legislation brings to the issue of antisemitism. “There has often been confusion—sometimes intentional—regarding the implications of adopting the IHRA Definition. It’s important to clarify that this ordinance does not establish a special non-discrimination class for Jewish individuals. Rather, the IHRA Definition serves as a guiding tool for identifying antisemitism, thereby assisting in the enforcement of existing laws and regulations relating to hate.”
Highland Park’s ordinance seeks to dispel uncertainties surrounding the definition of antisemitism by adopting a framework developed by leading experts dedicated to addressing the needs of antisemitism’s victims. The IHRA definition has received endorsement from over 1,200 governments, institutions, and organizations worldwide, including the U.S. State Department and various agencies within the U.S. government, as well as the European Union and governments from over 40 countries.
Crucially, adopting the IHRA definition does not violate First Amendment rights. Individuals maintain their free speech rights and bear the responsibility to confront acts of hatred and bigotry, often using such instances as educational opportunities. Referring to the IHRA definition in addressing antisemitism does not infringe on anyone’s constitutional rights—there is no right to immunity from criticism when promoting hate.
