Gov. Kemp signs Georgia law defining antisemitism
ATLANTA - Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has signed a new law that defines antisemitism, making it easier for law enforcement and prosecutors to go after those accused of hate crimes and illegal discrimination targeting Jewish people.
Members of Atlanta's Jewish Community joined GOP leaders and state lawmakers at the State Capitol Wednesday in support of House Bill 30, the legislation passed by both the Georgia House of Representatives and the Senate by a wide margin last week.
"In Georgia we stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters today and every day," Governor Kemp said during the bill signing ceremony.
Democratic state Rep. Esther Panitch of Sandy Springs, who is the only Jewish member of the Georgia Legislature, co-sponsored the bill.
Panitch received an antisemitic postcard in the mail on the eve of the bill signing. But when asked about the incident, she said she chose to focus on the importance of the day.
"I'm not going to focus on that today. Today is a day to celebrate," Rep. Panitch told FOX 5.
Georgia Rep. Esther Panitch (D-Dist. 51) at the bill signing ceremony where HB 30 was signed into law.
Lawmakers said the law is needed now more than ever, with the recent rise in antisemitic incidents reported across the state and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
A survivor of the Oct. 7 massacre at a music festival near the Israel-Gaza border was attended the ceremony.
"My brother, he was murdered by Hamas," Jenny Sividya told reporters. "I felt his presence here. I'm really proud of all that is happening here."
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signs House Bill 30 into law on Jan. 31, 2024.
According to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, "Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities."
The new law uses that same definition. It is expected to go into effect immediately.