Paris adopts IHRA definition of anti-Semitism

(February 5, 2021 / JNS) The city of Paris, led by Mayor Anne Hidalgo, adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism on Thursday.

The decision was taken by the Council of Paris, headed by Hidalgo. The council, which consists of 163 councilors, is responsible for governing the French capital.

The IHRA definition says: “Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

The move by Paris, a major European capital city, comes ahead of the Combat Anti-Semitism Movement’s Global Mayor’s Summit on March 16.

The digital event will bring together municipal and local leaders from across the world, empowering them to eradicate anti-Semitism, prejudice and hatred from their cities. Confirmed speakers include Uwe Becker, the mayor of Frankfurt, Germany; Kostas Bakoyannis, the mayor of Athens, Greece; William Peduto, the mayor of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Gabriel Groisman, the mayor of Bal Harbour, Fla.

Sacha Roytman-Dratwa, director of the Combat Anti-Semitism movement, said “anti-Semitism is not an abstract concept; it takes place on a regular basis in the streets, offices, schools, homes and institutions within cities. Therefore, it is crucial that cities themselves tackle Jew-hatred head-on. Properly defining anti-Semitism is the first step to defeating it. By adopting the IHRA definition, Paris is setting a tremendous example to other capitals and major cities. Hopefully, many other mayors and municipal leaders will be inspired to follow in Paris’ footsteps.”