The Council has not adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism.
In a meeting on 30th September 2020, the Council resolved that: “…it is already meeting the objectives of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of Anti-Semitism [sic] through its adherence to existing protections and wider approach to addressing inequalities… [and] there is no requirement for the Council to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of Anti-Semitism [sic]”.
The Council has since told Campaign Against Antisemitism that there is “No change in position”.
This information was obtained after Campaign Against Antisemitism submitted a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 on 22nd April 2022, to which the Council responded on 26th April 2022.
On 1st April 2023, the Council will be replaced by Somerset Council (covering Somerset County Council, Mendip, Sedgemoor, Somerset West and Taunton and South Somerset District Councils).
No incidents relating to the Council’s officials or councillors have been reported to us, however we recognise that antisemitism is chronically underreported and it is possible that there are incidents that have not been reported. To report an incident, please contact us.