The West Midlands Combined Authority has voted unanimously to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism in a move designed to improve clarity over exactly what constitutes anti-Jewish racism.
The definition was approved by the leaders of all seven constituent member councils on July 24 after consultation with the Jewish Leadership Council and other communal groups.
The West Midlands now joins other combined authorities such as Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Liverpool City Region, North East Combined Authority and the Greater London Authority in adopting the definition – as well as over 260 councils in England and Wales.
Birmingham has one of largest Jewish populations in the country, while there are sizable communities in Solihull and Coventry, as a result of nearby Warwick University.
But the move was also intended to provide reassurance to Jews living in areas without any existing communities. It is also a tool that can be used to educate people on what constitutes antisemitism.
Andy Street, the Conservative Mayor of the West Midlands, said he was “proud to be mayor of an extremely diverse region, but we must not pretend that hate crime and prejudice don’t still exist.”
He added: “Nobody should be the victim of hate because of their faith or heritage, which is why I have been working closely with our Police and Crime Commissioner to tackle this, and why I was so keen for the WMCA to sign up to the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
“I am pleased the WMCA board has now agreed the definition, and I hope this serves as a symbol to not only the Jewish community in the region but all communities, that the West Midlands stands together against all forms of hate and prejudice.”
The Labour deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, councillor Brigid Jones, added: “Adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition highlights that there is no place for antisemitism in the West Midlands.
“As we reconnect as a region following the pandemic, we should remember that inclusivity should be at the heart of everything we do and that all of our communities should be respected and not subjected to prejudice or hatred in any form.”
