During Israel Visit, Christian Lawmakers From Around World Call for ‘Vigorous Application’ of IHRA Antisemitism Definition

A group of more than 20 Christian parliamentarians from around the world met in Jerusalem this week with Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and presented him with a resolution promoting the “vigorous application” of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism.

The lawmakers — who were visiting the Jewish state for the eighth-annual Israel Allies Foundation’s Chairman’s Conference, co-hosted by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) — called on “parliaments worldwide to adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism and its 11 examples of specific prejudiced behaviors targeting the Jewish people and State of Israel, and call on lawmakers to vigorously apply the definition and its examples in the performance of their legislative, oversight, and advocacy duties.”

Lapid thanked the delegation members for their efforts to combat antisemitism globally and advocate for Israel.

Israel Allies Foundation (IAF) President Josh Reinstein said, “The resolution that we presented today was signed by some of Israel’s dearest allies and legislators in governments around the world. Faith-based diplomacy is Israel’s strongest weapon in our diplomatic arsenal.”

CAM CEO Sacha Roytman Dratwa commented, “It is clear that the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism has become the de facto global instrument to identify Jew-hatred, so we are delighted that so many parliamentarians from around the world will work towards adopting it in their home countries. CAM is helping ensure that for the first time in history, antisemitism is defined by the victims and not the perpetrators, so we welcome the Christian Allies Caucus’ role in helping to achieve this.”

A new study published by CAM and the Kantor Center for the Study of Contemporary European Jewry at Tel Aviv University shows that 865 entities around the world have adopted the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism since 2016.

The report is believed to be the world’s most comprehensive list of IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism adoptions and endorsements.