The ADC, Australia’s leading civil rights organisation countering hatred in all its forms, has welcomed the vote by the European Parliament to adopt the International Alliance for Holocaust Remembrance definition of anti-Semitism which states that, “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.” The resolution urges member states to protect their Jewish citizens and Jewish institutions from hate crime and hate speech, to support law enforcement efforts to identify and prosecute anti-Semitic attacks, to appoint national coordinators on combating anti-Semitism, systematically and publicly condemn anti-Semitic statements, to promote education about the Holocaust in schools, and to review schoolbooks regarding content related to Jewish history and contemporary Jewish life.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“This resolution marks a tremendously important step in the fight against anti-Semitism. We applaud the European Parliament for recognising that Jewish-hatred encases within its midst an array of expressions and conduct, which often masquerade as so called ‘criticism of the Jewish state, and anti-Zionism, questioning Israel’s legitimacy and denying the Jewish people the fundamental right afforded to all others—the right to self-determination. These agents of hate have now been told by the European Parliament that anti-Semitism will not be accepted, nor tolerated in any form. It is our strong hope that all member states will now adopt this resolution, sending the clear message to Jewish communities across Europe that their rights and safety will be enhanced and secured by legislative and pragmatic measures.”
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on 9272 5677.