EJC welcomes practical handbook on the IHRA definition of antisemitism

European Jewish Congress (EJC) President Dr. Moshe Kantor welcomed the publication of a handbook for the practical use of the working definition of antisemitism of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) as a key tool in the fight against anti-Jewish hatred in Europe.

“It is fundamentally important to give governments and security agencies the necessary guidelines to implement the IHRA definition so that it has practical use to physically protect Jewish communities from antisemitism,” Dr. Kantor said.

“We welcome the publication of this guide, at a time when antisemitic conspiracy theories and the targeting of Jews is spreading across our continent.”

The handbook, published by the European Commission in cooperation with IHRA, illustrates good practices in the application of the definition and offers a checklist for its good use across different policy areas, including law enforcement, the judiciary and educational institutions.

“We have drawn attention for many years to the problem of prosecutors and police officers not being able to correctly identify antisemitic incidents,” Dr. Kantor added.

“This document finally takes the IHRA definition into the realm of practical application. Each of the examples of the definition is illustrated through real documented antisemitic incidents in Europe, so it is substantially more than mere theory and a clear expression of the lived experience of our communities as they encounter Jew hate.”

The handbook also lists a series of good practices across Europe for the implementation of the definition, such as the Practical Guide to Judaism for law enforcement, published jointly by the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) and the EJC’s Security and Crisis Centre (SACC by EJC).

related

Subscribe to EJC newsletter

Get EJC's bi-weekly newsletter, including the latest statements and news from the European Jewish communities, direct to your inbox.

European Jewish Congress will use the information you provide on this form to contact you. We will treat your information with respect and will not share it with others. By clicking Subscribe, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

Events & Meetings

EJC Director of European Affairs addresses high-level UNESCO “Educating against Antisemitism” conference in Paris

The conference brought together school inspectors, teacher trainers, educators, policymakers, and representatives of Jewish organisations and European institutions to share knowledge and good practices on preventing antisemitism through education.