Commission to Combat Antisemitism

Purpose

The Commission to Combat Antisemitism, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, is created as an advisory commission within the Office of the Governor. The purpose of this Commission is to study antisemitism in the Commonwealth, propose actions to combat antisemitism, reduce the number of antisemitic incidents, and compile materials and provide assistance to Virginia’s public school system and state institutions of higher education in relation to antisemitism and its connection to the Holocaust. The Commission will make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly with the goal of identifying ways to reverse increasing antisemitic incidents in the Commonwealth.

Composition

The Board shall consist of the Chief Diversity, Opportunity, and Inclusion Officer, the Secretary of Public Safety or designee, the Secretary of Education or designee, and the Attorney General or designee. The Governor will select:

Five (5) representatives of the Jewish faith At least two (2) leaders of other communities of faith One (1) Commonwealth’s Attorney One (1) local Chief Law Enforcement Officer One (1) representative from the Virginia Holocaust Museum Up to three (3) experts in antisemitism, deradicalization, or domestic terrorism. The terms of members of the Commission shall be for the duration of the Commission’s activities. In carrying out its duties, the Commission may appoint working groups as it deems appropriate and solicit participation from relevant subject matter experts, law enforcement, practitioners, and analysts. Staff support for the Commission will be provided by the Office of the Governor and any other agencies or offices as may be designated by the Governor. Appointments shall be made by the Governor in such a manner as to ensure the widest possible geographical representation of all parts of the Commonwealth.