Ontario Takes Action Against Antisemitism

Oakville North-Burlington – MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos announced today that the Ontario Government has adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism as originally adopted by the IHRA Plenary Meeting on May 26, 2016.

Quote from Effie Triantafilopoulos MPP:

“Oakville North-Burlington is a diverse community, made up of people from all faiths and backgrounds. The Jewish community is a vital and integral part of our community, both in Oakville North-Burlington and across Ontario. Fighting antisemitism is important to protect Jewish people in Ontario, and as a guarantee of human rights for everyone. It is up to all of us to take a stand against antisemitism, and I am proud that the Ontario Government has taken a firm stand on the issue.

 I am proud to stand with Ontario’s Jewish community in defence of their rights and fundamental freedoms. The recent act of antisemitism at the War Memorial in Ottawa shows the need for immediate action.”

Quote from Rabbi Stephen Wise, spiritual leader of Shaarei-Beth El Congregation of Halton and the Chair of the Interfaith Council of Halton:

“Halton is blessed with many diverse voices and opinions, but I believe there is clear consensus about the need to combat the alarming rise of antisemitism. We cannot protect the Jewish community properly if we are unable to name it, to identify it properly, and to address it consistently. I applaud the government of Ontario for adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism, demonstrating a commitment to implementing human rights and anti-racist policies. The IHRA definition of antisemitism has been given broad acceptance by cities and countries at all levels of government and around the world.  I hope that the region of Halton and our municipalities will also adopt this definition and join our provincial and federal government in taking action against the growing threat posed to our society by antisemitism”.

Quick Facts

• The Working Definition of Antisemitism, as adopted by the 2016 Plenary Meeting of the IHRA 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 IHRA is an intergovernmental organization which unites governments and experts to strengthen, advance and promote Holocaust education, remembrance & research worldwide. It currently has 34 member countries, including Canada, 1 liaison country, and 7 observer countries. The national government of each country forms a delegation, generally consisting of leading educators, academics and representatives of museums and memorials. Many delegates also have specific areas of expertise, for example the genocide of the Roma; antisemitism and Holocaust denial; and other genocides and crimes against humanity.

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Media Contact:           David Lancaster, Executive Assistant

                                    david.lancaster@pc.ola.org