Gov. Noem Supports Bill to Prevent Antisemitism

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Gov. Noem Supports Bill to Prevent Antisemitism

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem voiced her support for legislation declaring that antisemitism is discrimination.

“Jewish people around the world are facing discriminatory acts of hatred. Acts of violence against the Jewish people have even skyrocketed here in America. South Dakota will always stand with the Jewish people – and we will continue to support the State of Israel,” Governor Noem said. “Antisemitism is discrimination against the Jewish people. I am proud to support this legislation.”

This bill will support Jews in South Dakota by increasing their protections against antisemitic acts of hate. It will be introduced during the upcoming legislative session by South Dakota State Representative Fred Deutsch (R-04).

South Dakota’s Bureau of Human Resources and Administration (BHRA) is also encouraging state employees to participate in workplace antisemitism training this month. There are two different training courses available on SDLearn. For more information, contact BHRA.

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6 thoughts on “Gov. Noem Supports Bill to Prevent Antisemitism”

  2. In the same breath conservatives tend to loath specified protections for other groups. Pandering much?

  3. Can you question Zionism without being antisemetic? Maybe Fred will show up and provide some clarification.

  4. Thank you for the question. Anti-Semitism is a form of prejudice, hatred, or discrimination directed toward Jews as individuals or as a group. Anti-Zionism is a prejudice against the right of the Jewish people to a homeland in the State of Israel.

    As to your question, of course you can question Zionism without being antisemetic. Anti-Israel activity crosses the line to anti-Semitism when:

    All Jews are held responsible for the actions of Israel.
    Israel is denied the right to exist as a Jewish state and as an equal member of the global community.
    Traditional anti-Semitic symbols, images or theories are used.

    That’s my understanding. Hope it helps, and thank you again for the question.

    1. Thanks for providing some additional context, Fred.

      I know I, along with most others in this great state, feel that discrimination of all kinds is not something that should be accepted. However, I think we need clear language and definition on this proposed SD law to distinguish between discrimination of the Jewish people, and lack of support of the State of Israel. As quoted by our governor “we will continue to support the State of Israel”. Considering the Noem executive order (2020-01), nobody doing business with the state can “boycott” Israel. If a business owner is critical of the actions taken by Israel, or question the desired one-state solution (which many would consider foundational to Zionist movement), they already cannot do business with the state of South Dakota (there may be a way to argue that the boycott is not based on religion, national origin, or ethnicity, but the certification simply states boycott).

      How will your bill address “antisemitic acts of hate” in a way that distinguishes antisemitic behaviors from Anti-Zionisms? How are these proposed laws not already addressed in SD 20-13?

      As defined by Shany Mor, in his 2019 essay “On Three Anti-Zionisms”
      “Anti-Zionism is not the same as antisemitism.”
      “It is not antisemitic to criticize Israel or its policies.”

      Some of the rhetoric in this post contradicts Mor’s points. It seems we are growing closer in South Dakota to be more restrictive on criticism of the state of Israel and Zionism. I hope we can distinguish the freedom to criticize Zionism, Israel, and its policies, from discrimination of Jewish people.

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