Washington, D.C., August 12, 2020:

LDB Commends FSU President ~ Press Release

The Louis D. Brandeis Center commends Florida State University President John Thrasher for adopting the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism. In his letter to the FSU community this afternoon, Thrasher wrote, “The United States, the State of Florida, and Florida State University recognize the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of Anti-Semitism and its contemporary examples. I encourage everyone to educate themselves on the IHRA definition and examples of Anti-Semitism, as I have done myself.”

Brandeis Center Chairman Kenneth L. Marcus commented, “We are delighted that President Thrasher is assuming leadership by recognizing, studying, and endorsing this important tool. It is really the most important single thing he could have done – and it should be an example to other university leaders. We are hopeful that FSU will build upon this critical first step by taking additional actions to support Jewish students and ensure a safe and healthy atmosphere for everyone at his university.”

Brandeis Center President Alyza D. Lewin added, “FSU and the State of Florida are now leading the way by demonstrating an understanding of anti-Semitism that many have failed to grasp. Recognizing that contemporary anti-Semitism often manifests itself as the demonization not only of Jews, but also of the Jewish collective, the Jewish state of Israel, is an essential first step in combatting this scourge. We are delighted to have worked with groups that pressed for the Florida anti-Semitism legislation and are pleased to be working with FSU students, alumni and administrators as they seek to improve the climate on FSU’s campus for Jewish students. Kudos to President Thrasher on taking this bold first step.”