City council adopts International Definition of Antisemitism in Orillia, Ontario

Following an hour-long presentation from Holocaust survivor Man Eisen, Orillia’s City Council unanimously approved the adoption of the International Definition of Antisemitism on 9th October.

The recent move comes as part of a broader motion that referenced the city’s hope to be a “welcoming, caring, inclusive and accessible community” in its 2018-2020 strategic plan to combat racism in Orillia.

The city’s Mayor invited Mr Eisen to make the presentation to the City Council in order to approach the “disgusting issue of racism”. The virtual presentation explored his experiences of the Holocaust, including the murder of several family members in Auschwitz.

He said while he remains grateful to the country that has acted as a “safe haven”, it is vital that Canadians remain vigilant in the fight against antisemitism. Along with the wider Jewish community, Mr Eisen expressed shock “to see such poison coming out” and suggested that the city’s endorsement of the Definition is an encouraging sign that the rising rates of antisemitism are being effectively tackled.

Many councillors reportedly found the content distressing, and thus decided significant action had to be undertaken to reflect an appropriate condemnation of such hatred.

Canada announced an intention to adopt the Definition in 2019, and the country’s province of Ontario recently recognised the Definition following a series of hateful and discriminatory incidents across the region.

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