The fight against anti-Semitism and

The Canadian Handbook on the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism

Now in its second year, the campaign against Israel and Jews continues on the streets and public spaces of Canada. But Jews and increasingly, non-Jewish champions of civil, democratic society are fighting back. This is not only a source of inspiration for our community but it also represents a substantive deployment of forces for democracy. We know – enlightened society knows – that antisemitism is dangerous to Jews, of course, and also to everyone who values freedom and humanity.

 The Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism (ALCCA) is at the vanguard of those champions. This week ALCCA advised that the Government of Canada has just released The Canadian Handbook on the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.

The handbook is intended to guide anti-racism policies and codes of conduct at schools and universities, to educate and to inform those who design DEI programs in and outside government agencies, and promote greater understanding regarding antisemitism in law enforcement circles across the country. It was developed in partnership with the Office of the Special Envoy for Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, Deborah Lyons.

In the communication from the ALCCA, Alliance chair, Mark Sandler, elaborated upon the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism itself and upon the significance of the federal government’s handbook.

GAJE reproduces Sandler’s correspondence (below). It is an excellent mini-primer for GAJE supporters about the IHRA document and how the handbook can benefit the fight against antisemitism, i.e., the fight to protect and preserve democratic values.

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“The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) is an intergovernmental organization with 35 Member Countries and 9 Observer Countries that was founded in 1998 by former Swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson to address issues related to the Holocaust and genocide of the Roma. The IHRA definition is the most authoritative and comprehensive definition in the world today. It has been adopted by 42 other countries, and many others, including Canadian provinces, cities, towns and townships listed in the handbook.

Key moments:

• In 2019, the Government of Canada adopted the non-legally binding IHRA definition as part of its anti-racism strategy.
• In 2021, the Government committed itself to “continue to enhance the adoption and implementation of the working definition.”
• In 2022, the Government undertook that it would develop and publish this handbook. The Prime Minister indicated that the handbook will “support the adoption, understanding, and practical use of the [IHRA] definition across Canada.”
• And now in 2024, the Government has released the Canadian Handbook on the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.

“The publication of the handbook represents an important step – but only a step – in combatting antisemitism across the country:

• The handbook is only meaningful if it is used to guide anti-racism policies and codes of conduct at schools and universities.
• It is only meaningful if it educates and informs those who design DEI programs in our private and public institutions.
• It is only meaningful if it is utilized to promote greater understanding in law enforcement circles of the scourge of antisemitism, and its modern manifestations.

“Make no mistake – its adoption and use will be bitterly attacked because it recognizes the right of Jewish self-determination. And because it explains that modern antisemitism is often manifested by demonizing Israel – through denying its very existence and legitimacy, and by demonizing all Zionists, without distinction, including 91% of Canadian Jews who support Jewish self-determination in Israel.

“The campaign against the IHRA definition is largely based on the false claim that the definition immunizes Israel from criticism, and as such, is invalid, even racist. The handbook exposes that this is untrue. The working definition is clear that criticism of Israel, its policies and practices is not antisemitic. Israel is not immune – nor should it be – from the same types of criticism levelled against any country. But the definition’s opponents are unencumbered by the facts.

“I commend Deborah Lyons, the Government of Canada, and many others responsible for the publication of this handbook. Our community and allies must now commit to promoting its use to combat antisemitism across the country.”

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GAJE assiduously follows, supports and applauds ALCCA’s moral leadership. GAJE also commends the federal government for fulfilling its promise to provide a handbook for the appropriate application of the IHRA’s definition of antisemitism.

The handbook can be downloaded at:

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/canada-holocaust/antisemitism/handbook-definition-antisemitism.html?utm_campaign=pch-pch-special-envoy-lyons-24-25&utm_medium=smo&utm_source=lnkn&utm_content=guide-antisemitism-en-241030-pch

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On September 10, a three-member panel of the Divisional Court agreed with the Province of Ontario that GAJE’s lawsuit for fairness in educational funding should be dismissed. On September 25, GAJE filed a Notice of Motion seeking leave to appeal the court’s decision. Last month, GAJE filed its factum for the motion for leave to appeal.

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If you wish to contribute to GAJE’s lawsuit for fairness in educational funding, please click here.

For further information, please contact Israel Mida at: imida1818@gmail.com

Charitable receipts for donations for income tax purposes will be issued by Mizrachi Canada. Your donations will be used for the sole purpose of underwriting the costs of the lawsuit.

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Shabbat shalom. Am Yisrael Chai

Grassroots for Affordable Jewish Education (GAJE)

November 8, 2024