LANSING, Mich. — In the wake of a recent attack during a demonstration for Israeli hostages in Gaza, Michigan lawmakers are taking a firm stance against antisemitism within the state. A group of Democratic legislators has introduced the Michigan Antisemitism Protection Act (MAPA), aimed at enhancing protections for Jewish residents by incorporating the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into state law.
The bill seeks to amend the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, providing state authorities, agencies, and institutions with a clearer standard to identify and address antisemitic discrimination. State Representative Noah Arbit, a West Bloomfield Democrat and member of the Jewish community, emphasized that the legislation is a crucial step but not a standalone solution.
“If adopted, the standard would assist relevant state authorities, agencies, and institutions to better identify and elevate potential cases of illegal discrimination against Jews in Michigan,” Arbit said. He added, “Anti-Jewish racism, like all racism, is a societal ill and a public health problem that we need to tackle as such.”
Lawmakers expressed concern over what they describe as complacency among the public and inadequate responses from political leaders in confronting hate. They warned that without proactive measures, increasing youth radicalization could fuel further violence.
State Representative Samantha Steckloff, also part of Michigan’s Jewish caucus, revealed the personal risks faced by lawmakers in the state. “Every single one of us in the Jewish caucus has received a call from the FBI with credible threats to our life,” she said, underscoring the immediate danger faced by members of the Jewish community.
Arbit called for bipartisan commitment to combat antisemitism, criticizing both major parties for failing to adequately address the issue. “I don’t think either party gets a passing grade here when it comes to fighting antisemitism. I would like to see both parties put a veritable, good-faith effort into improving what they are doing in terms of standing up for the Jewish communities across America,” he said.
The Michigan Antisemitism Protection Act is part of a growing effort to address hate crimes and discrimination more effectively, reflecting broader national concerns about the rise of antisemitic incidents.
