May 26, 2016 — New York, New York
AJC commends the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) and the government of Romania, which holds the chairmanship of that body, for adopting a working definition of antisemitism. The action took place at the IHRA’s plenary in Bucharest.
“IHRA’s consensus decision encourages European governments to employ the working definition in educating police, prosecutors, and judges about the nature of antisemitism today,” said Rabbi Andrew Baker, AJC’s Director of International Jewish Affairs. “We salute Romanian President Klaus Iohannis and Ambassador Mihnea Constantinescu, the IHRA chair. They promised to make combating antisemitism a priority of their chairmanship, and they have delivered.”
The IHRA definition is based on the 2005 European Monitoring Centre (EUMC) Working Definition. It offers a clear and comprehensive description of antisemitism in its various forms, including hatred and discrimination against Jews, Holocaust denial, and, of particular note, antisemitism as it relates to Israel.
IHRA Chair Constantinescu said: “By adopting this working definition, the IHRA is setting an example of responsible conduct for other international fora and hopes to inspire them also to take action on a legally binding working definition.”
The IHRA consists of 31 countries, including 24 members of the European Union,the U.S., and Canada. In Europe, it encompasses those countries where antisemitism and anti-Israel animus as a mask for antisemitism have been most problematic.
AJC worked closely over a decade ago with the EUMC in developing this working definition as a tool for monitors and law enforcement officials.
