Student-driven measure equips Nevada Equal Rights Commission with IHRA standard as antisemitic incidents hit 9,354 nationwide and 74 in Nevada in 2024.
The Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN) today praised the Nevada Legislature for approving SB179, landmark legislation that adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism for state civil-rights investigations. Drafted by Las Vegas high-school students Ethan Cohen and Meyer DeLee and carried by Senator James Ohrenschall, the bill now awaits Governor Joe Lombardo’s signature.
The law arrives as antisemitism reaches historic levels: the Anti-Defamation League recorded 9,354 U.S. incidents in 2024—an 893 percent jump over the past decade—and 74 incidents in Nevada alone, including recent threatening letters sent to multiple Las Vegas Jewish institutions.
“From our earliest draft to final passage in Carson City, the goal was always simple: protect people from hate. ICAN offered steady advice and encouragement throughout this effort, and that support helped us keep SB179 on track all the way to passage,” said Ethan Cohen, Student Advocate & SB179 Co-Author. “I’m grateful to Senator James Ohrenschall for championing our idea.”
“ICAN’s mission is to mobilize Israeli-American activists and our allies to fight antisemitism, defend civil rights, and strengthen the U.S.–Israel alliance. Ethan Cohen embodied that mission—translating civic education into SB179, which now gives Nevada investigators a clear, internationally accepted yardstick for identifying antisemitism,” said Micky Shulman, Co-Chair, ICAN Nevada.
“SB179 began with the courage of a student and will become law through the resolve of a bipartisan coalition. It arms Nevada with moral and legal clarity in the face of antisemitism—and offers a signal beyond our borders: even in uncertain times, justice doesn’t falter when conscience holds the line. We shouldn’t need a law like this—but we’re stronger for having it,” Josh Sigel, Co-Chair, ICAN Nevada.
About SB179
- Defines antisemitism, adopting the working definition used by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.
- Directs the Nevada Equal Rights Commission to apply that definition when investigating discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations.
- Passed both chambers with bipartisan votes and now awaits Governor Joe Lombardo’s signature.