IHRA Antisemitism Definition Referral
Motion 19 · Council Meeting, November 15, 2022
Summary
- Motion to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism ("Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews..."), as adopted by Canada in 2019, and to share it with the Vancouver Police Board, Public Library, Park Board, and School Board.
- Context: antisemitic hate crimes are rising; Statistics Canada identifies Jewish people as the most frequently targeted religious minority in police-reported hate crimes (2021); BC began working with the IHRA definition in June 2022.
- A previous 2019 Council motion on the same subject was referred to an advisory committee but not resolved.
- Referred unanimously to the Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities (November 16, 2022) for public speakers, debate, and decision.