Just over a week ago, the Biden Administration released the US National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, demonstrating its dedication to combating antisemitism in all its forms while protecting free speech and safeguarding individual rights.
We support this approach, including the decision not to codify the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. Instead, the National Strategy allows for a more inclusive and effective response to antisemitism while protecting free speech. This comprehensive approach should serve as a model for combating antisemitism worldwide.
Now, as the United Nations formulates its own plan, we have an important opportunity to advance this pragmatic and nuanced approach to combating antisemitism on a global scale. It is crucial that we push for the UN to adopt a framework that protects speech rather than a definition that weaponizes antisemitism to quash legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies and practices.
Please join us by urging your Member of Congress to sign on to a letter led by Congresswoman Janice
Schakowsky that encourages US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield to advocate for a comprehensive,
nuanced, and action-based approach to combating antisemitism within the United Nations.
Read the full text of the letter here.
Produced by the Foundation for Middle East Peace in cooperation with Americans for Peace Now, where the Legislative Round-Up was conceived.
1.Bills,
Resolutions & Letters
2. Hearings & Events
3. Media &
Reports
4.
Members on the Record (Palestine/Palestinians)
5. Members on the Record
(Israel)
6.
Members on the Record (Iran)
7. Members on the Record (other
Mideast countries)
Yossi Alpher is an independent security analyst. He is the former director of the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies at Tel Aviv University, a former senior official with the Mossad, and a former IDF intelligence officer. Views and positions expressed here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent APN's views and policy positions.
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Americans for Peace Now (APN) is saddened to bid a final farewell to Richard (Dick) Gunther, who passed away on May 25th 2023 at the age of 98. Dick was a longtime member of APN’s Board of Directors, and a former chair of the Board. He was a passionate, devoted activist in the fight for a progressive Israel that lives in peace with its neighbors.
Dick grew up in Portland, Oregon and later in Los Angeles, where he spent the rest of his life. In 1943 he was drafted and served for three years in the Pacific as the Second World War was ending. He graduated the University of California in Los Angeles with an accounting degree and soon started a successful career in housing construction, first in Hawaii and then in the San Fernando Valley.
He also began his long association with Jewish community causes, joining the Board of the Brandeis Bardin Institute, where he served for 25 years. Into his mid-30s, Dick pursued a successful career in investment, and became politically active including in progressive Jewish and pro-Israel causes.
Dick served on the Board of Directors of APN since its inception in 1981, and served as Chair of the Board. He was also on the Board of the New Israel Fund, and held leadership positions at the Los Angeles Jewish Federation.
Dick Gunther led a well-rounded life. He was a family man, a curious intellectual, an athlete, a multifaceted philanthropist, and an avid traveler. He participated in several APN study tours to Israel, typically together with Lois, his wife of 75 years.
Dick is survived by Lois, his three sons, and three grandchildren. Americans for Peace Now’s Board and staff send our condolences to the Gunther family.
Produced by the Foundation for Middle East Peace in cooperation with Americans for Peace Now, where the Legislative Round-Up was conceived.
1.Bills, Resolutions
& Letters
2.
Hearings
3. Media
& Reports
4.
Members on the Record (Palestine/Palestinians)
5. Members on the Record
(Israel)
6. Members
on the Record (Iran)
7. Members on the Record (other
Mideast countries)
Yossi Alpher is an independent security analyst. He is the former director of the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies at Tel Aviv University, a former senior official with the Mossad, and a former IDF intelligence officer. Views and positions expressed here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent APN's views and policy positions.
What Is the IHRA Definition?
The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)’s working definition of antisemitism is:
“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”