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Collier County commissioners adopt resolution condemning antisemitism after local Jewish groups urge adoption of IHRA definition
Summary
The board unanimously adopted a resolution condemning antisemitism and accepted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition as presented by local Jewish leaders and Holocaust educators. Speakers said the definition gives law enforcement and educators a tool to recognize and address antisemitism locally.
The Collier County Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution condemning antisemitism in all forms after three registered speakers addressed the board in support of adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.
Nami Ikhilov, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, told the commissioners "Collier County stands with its Jewish residents, and hatred has no place here," and thanked the board for championing adoption of the IHRA definition to help local law enforcement and educators recognize antisemitic acts. Erin Blankenship, president and CEO of the Holocaust Museum and Cohen Education Center, said the museum applauds the resolution and called antisemitism a threat to the entire community, urging the board to vote to approve it.
Commissioners noted prior board action immediately after the October 7 attacks in Israel to condemn hatred generally and recounted a county policy authorizing the sheriff to expend necessary resources to protect houses of worship. The board moved and seconded the proclamation and approved it by unanimous voice vote. Commissioners invited the speakers forward for photographs after the vote.
The resolution is a formal, symbolic action affirming county condemnation of antisemitism and signaling support for Jewish residents; it does not, in itself, impose new legal requirements but was presented as a tool to strengthen community response and coordination among county agencies and law enforcement.
