Miyares announced the task force while speaking to a group of Jewish leaders on Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day. His office called the task force the first of its kind in the state.
“Antisemitism is the oldest and most sustained form of bigotry known to mankind,” Miyares said in a statement. “Although America’s commitment to religious diversity and pluralism has made it a relatively safe haven for Jewish people, American Jews have dealt with horrifying antisemitic discrimination and violence, and it continues today.”
The task force will include employees from the Office of the Attorney General and leaders from various Jewish communities across Virginia.
Miyares’s office said religious discrimination is illegal under the Virginia Human Rights Act and the attorney general can investigate and prosecute religious discrimination in employment and public institutions, such as universities. The office said acts of violence should be reported to local authorities or the Virginia State Police.
The task force was created at the recommendation of a commission that was set up by Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) to examine antisemitism in Virginia.
People can report instances of antisemitism to Miyares’s office.
