The Italian government adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism on Friday.
Italy also appointed Milena Santerini as the country’s national coordinator of the fight against anti-Semitism.
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 Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations applauded the moves.
“Italy joins a growing list of other countries in Europe and elsewhere which have committed to combating Jew-hatred by adopting this important standard,” said the organization in a statement on Monday. “It is encouraging to see this increasingly urgent issue being met with appropriate action by so many nations, and we hope to see more governments act in the days ahead.”
