The St. Augustine City Commission is scheduled to vote Monday on a resolution recognizing the State of Florida’s definition of antisemitism.
The proposed resolution endorses the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition.
It describes antisemitism as “a certain perception of Jewish individuals which may be expressed as hatred toward such individuals,” according to the resolution.
The definition covers both rhetorical and physical acts concerning Jewish and non-Jewish individuals, their property and Jewish community institutions or religious sites.
The language states that criticism of Israel—when similar to criticism of any other country—is not considered antisemitic.
It also clarifies that supporting this definition does not infringe on First Amendment rights or conflict with existing federal or state anti-discrimination laws.
Mayor Nancy Sikes Kline recently discussed her official weeklong visit to Israel during a prior City Commission meeting, where she was an invited guest of the Israeli government.
“I was there on an official visit on the request and invitation from the Israeli Consulate General in Miami and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Israel,” she said at a June 9 meeting, before the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Iran. “I was part of a delegation.”
The trip was paid for by the Israeli government, Sikes-Kline said.
If approved, the resolution would take effect immediately.
The City Commission meeting will be held Monday at City Hall.
