The Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani over allegations related to the unequal treatment of Jewish residents. This inquiry highlights rising concerns about antisemitism in New York City. A letter from the DOJ demands answers regarding these issues.
Concurrently, the Dominican Republic is moving to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. This makes the country the 48th globally and the seventh in Latin America to embrace the definition. President Luis Abinader directed this effort, aligning with recommendations from Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, the U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism.
President Abinader’s announcement occurred during the Combat Antisemitism Movement’s annual Latin American Forum Against Antisemitism in Santo Domingo. He emphasized that antisemitism threatens democratic values beyond Jewish communities. Abinader stated that antisemitism is a broad threat to democratic coexistence and individual freedoms. Antisemitism Research Center data notes 767 antisemitic incidents worldwide in March 2026, showing a 32.5% increase from the previous year.
Kaploun praised the Dominican Republic’s decision as a “historic moment,” urging other governments in the region to adopt similar measures. He cited the Trump administration’s approach in the U.S. as a model for tackling antisemitism, including holding institutions accountable and prosecuting hate crimes.
The IHRA’s non-legally binding definition, adopted by its member countries in 2016, provides a framework to identify and address contemporary antisemitism. This definition describes antisemitism as a perception of Jews expressed as hatred, affecting individuals, communities, and properties.
Ambassador Kaploun, at the Latin American Forum Against Antisemitism, reiterated that America supports regional efforts to combat antisemitism. He conveyed messages of support from President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Latin American leaders, highlighting the U.S.’ commitment to fostering religious liberty across the region.
The IHRA definition facilitates consistent responses to antisemitism by governments and institutions. By the end of 2025, over 1,334 entities had adopted this definition, illustrating its broad acceptance worldwide. The Dominican Republic’s decision is expected to encourage more Latin American countries to follow suit.
Abinader concluded his address by acknowledging his country’s history as a refuge for Jewish refugees. He announced a pledge of 50 million Dominican pesos to build a new Jewish Museum of Sosúa, preserving this legacy. He called on the region to actively oppose hatred and discrimination through education and preventive measures, underscoring the importance of transforming memory into action.