Vancouver adopts International Definition of Antisemitism
The City of Vancouver adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism.
The adoption came following a six to one vote at the City’s council.
Cllr. Sarah Kirby-Yung, of A Better City (ABC) Vancouver, tabled the resolution to adopt. Prior to casting her vote, she said: “At its very root for me, when I distil it down, this is really about education. Education is the most powerful tool that we have against hate. It’s more powerful than any punitive actions could be.”
In July, the Premier of British Columbia expressed support for the Definition. Nicolas Slobinsky said: “To effectively combat one of the world’s oldest forms of hatred, we must first clearly identify it. In this light, we see the [International] Definition as an important non-legally binding educational tool to help us determine what is and what is not antisemitic, which allows us to work toward a society that is better for all British Columbians.”
So far this year, Alberta, Manitoba and New Brunswick have adopted the Definition, joining Ontario which adopted it previously.
Campaign Against Antisemitism applauds Vancouver’s adopted, which demonstrate the city’s solidarity with the Jewish community at a time of growing antisemitism in Canada.
Britain was the first country in the world to adopt the International Definition, something for which Campaign Against Antisemitism and Lord Pickles worked hard over many meetings with officials at Downing Street.
