Fighting Hate with Clarity: Moore's Antisemitism Bill

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) is stepping up to bat against antisemitism with a new bill aimed at tackling this growing problem head-on. His "Define to Defeat Act of 2025" proposes using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism to enforce civil rights laws.

Defining the Enemy

Moore emphasizes the need for clarity: "From college campuses to the halls of power, hatred toward Jewish people has no place here!" He argues that a clear definition is crucial for identifying, confronting, and prosecuting antisemitic acts. With a disturbing rise in antisemitic attacks, Moore believes the judicial system needs this tool more than ever.

Expert Backing

Mark Goldfeder, CEO of the National Jewish Advocacy Center and a law professor, is a vocal supporter of the bill. He explains that the bill provides investigators with a well-accepted definition of antisemitism to consider when determining motivations behind unlawful acts. "Effective policy-making requires uniform definitions," Goldfeder notes, stressing the importance of an objective standard.

Addressing Free Speech Concerns

Goldfeder also tackles concerns about potential First Amendment conflicts. He clarifies that the bill doesn't punish opinions or police speech. Instead, it aims to help authorities assess whether illegal behaviors—like arson, threats, or harassment—are fueled by antisemitic bias, even when disguised as "anti-Zionism."