Mr. Carr, noting how appropriate it was to discuss the challenges facing the Jewish people during the High Holidays, a time of self-reflection, expressed the disbelief many have experienced in seeing rising anti-Semitism around the world and, in particular, of the dangers posed by anti-Semitism online and on social media. “Today by means of the internet and social media these ideologies are propagating and transmitting this contagion…at the speed of a click,” Carr said.
In order to combat the various forms of anti-Semitism, Carr outlined the key policy initiatives that have been the primary focus of his office.
In particular, the Special Envoy stressed the International Holocaust Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism as being of critical importance. “As an army officer, we are especially sensitive to the concept of defining an enemy and understanding an enemy before you can properly confront it.”
The importance of this definition the Special Envoy said, is IHRA “provides tangible examples that give a context and an understanding of how anti-Semitism is typically manifested.”
“Denying the Jewish people…self-determination and targeting the one Jewish state for special and focused opprobrium, is anti-Semitism and the IHRA definition allows us to say that,” Carr said.
The Office of the Special Envoy is also encouraging widespread adoption of the IHRA definition around the world. “One of my top diplomatic asks when I go overseas, if a country has not adopted it, we ask that they do so…In addition to countries, we’re seeing universities, cities, in some cases sports teams, adopt it.”
Universal adoption of the IHRA definition continues to be a priority of the Combat Antisemitism Movement. Learn more at www.combatantisemitism.org
