Buckinghamshire Council reaffirms its commitment to rejecting antisemitism
On the day that nations across the world remember and honour the six million Jewish people killed in the World War Two Holocaust, Buckinghamshire Council has announced it will this week formally adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. The move marks a firm, public commitment to recognising and actively seeking to eliminate any form of discrimination relating to antisemitism.
The IHRA was formed in 1998 and unites governments across the globe in promoting and shaping Holocaust education, research and remembrance around the world.
The non-legally binding definition of antisemitism developed by the IHRA gives a clear outline of what antisemitism is and understanding of how it can manifest itself in today’s society. The definition has been adopted by the national UK government and other organisations across the country including local authorities, police forces and education organisations. The definition had previously been adopted by the former county and district councils in Buckinghamshire.
The IHRA definition is: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
The definition expands to give examples of the way in which antisemitism can present itself in public life from stories in the media to education and within religious settings.
Commenting on the council’s forthcoming adoption of the IHRA definition, leader Martin Tett said: “Today we mark Holocaust Memorial Day, a time when the world stops to remember the millions of people killed during the atrocities of the Second World War.
“The theme of this year’s day is Be The Light in The Darkness. It encourages us to stand together in solidarity against hatred and discrimination, together we are stronger.
“In marking Holocaust Memorial Day it is important that we remember the past and learn from it but we must also ensure that our actions today continue to eliminate all forms of discrimination to others. As a council we are proud to formally adopt this definition and reaffirm our commitment to eradicating antisemitism of any kind within our community.”