Greater Manchester Combined Authority adopts International Definition of Antisemitism
The board of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has voted to adopt the International Definition of Antisemitism. The definition was adopted by the Prime Minister in December, making the British government the first in the world to formally adopt the definition, something Campaign Against Antisemitism worked hard to achieve over many meetings. At the time, we also recognised the significant contribution of Sir Eric Pickles to the result.
The International Definition of Antisemitism is clear and detailed, leaving no doubt as to what antisemitism is. In particular, this definition tackles the full spectrum of antisemitism, from ancient slurs to conspiracy myths to antisemitism in discourse about Israel.
The Authority’s board adopted the definition which was one of the recommendations of a report entitled “Challenging Hate and Building Cohesion”.
The definition’s adoption came following a campaign by local community leader Marc Levy, who said: “Greater Manchester Combined Authority is leading the way in terms of tackling hate crime and we are hugely encouraged by their move to adopt the [International Definition of Antisemitism]. The Greater Manchester Jewish community know that it is vital that there is a clear and practical definition that will allow us to fight antisemitism in all its forms. I look forward to continuing to work with the GMCA as we continue to make strides in this area.”
Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner, Tony Lloyd, said: “Greater Manchester has a strong record in standing against antisemitism and all other forms of hate crime. We know that we’re at our strongest when all our communities celebrate our difference, but recognise that there is more that unites than divides us. In Greater Manchester we have the highest level of hate crime reporting in the country, which is as a result of years of work to build community cohesion and instilling confidence that hate crime will be taken seriously. By adopting International [Definition of Antisemitism] we will continue that work to build strong communities.”
