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East Palo Alto council adopts proclamation condemning antisemitism, embraces IHRA working definition after heated public comment
Summary
After more than an hour of divided public comment, the East Palo Alto City Council voted 3–2 to adopt a nonbinding proclamation that affirms the city’s commitment to combat antisemitism and incorporates the IHRA working definition as an educational framework.
The East Palo Alto City Council on March 6 adopted a proclamation affirming the city’s commitment to combat antisemitism and explicitly incorporating the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition as a nonbinding educational and analytical framework. Mayor Lincoln introduced the proclamation and framed it as a symbolic, nonregulatory statement intended to name and reject antisemitism while preserving First Amendment protections.
Public comment on the item drew a large and divided turnout. Supporters urged the council to adopt the IHRA definition as a practical tool to identify and respond to antisemitic conduct and to help residents feel safe in the city. Speakers who identified themselves as Jewish or representing Jewish organizations—including David Ron and Julia Mates of JCRC Bay Area—described rising antisemitic incidents nationwide and thanked the council for taking a clear stand.
Others urged caution or opposed adoption of the IHRA example language, asserting it can be used to chill political speech and to conflate criticism of Israeli government actions with hatred of Jewish people. Commenters representing civil‑rights organizations raised concerns that some IHRA examples have been applied in ways that restrict discussion of Palestinian human rights.
Councilmembers debated whether to strike specific IHRA paragraphs from the proclamation. City Attorney John Lai advised the council that the proclamation is nonbinding and would not, by itself, change city policy but could guide future training or policy decisions. After deliberation, the council approved the proclamation by roll call vote: Mayor Lincoln — Yes; Councilmember Barragan — Yes; Councilmember Dinan — Yes; Vice Mayor — No; Councilmember Romero — No. The motion passed 3–2.
The proclamation states that it will not be interpreted to limit constitutionally protected speech and affirms that criticism of any government, including the Israeli government, remains protected. Following the vote the council recessed briefly after disruptions earlier in public comment had required additional warnings and a vote to clear the chamber.
