March 18, 2016
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) has thrown its support behind the call by Ira Forman, U.S State Department Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, for a European definition of anti-Semitism similar to that of the US State Department. The call was made at a speech delivered at the third Inter-Parliamentary Coalition for Combating anti-Semitism in Berlin. Forman maintained that anti-Semitism is “evolving into new, contemporary forms of hatred, racism, and political, social, and cultural discrimination against Jews” and that “one virulent aspect is… conflating Jewish communities with Israel, using criticism of Israel as a pretext for anti-Semitism.” Additionally, Forman contended that it is critical to “define anti-Semitism clearly to more effectively combat it.”
In 2013 the EU’s Agency for Fundamental Rights dropped a definition of anti-Semitism from its website.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, issued the following statement:
“We wholeheartedly agree with Mr Foreman’s call for Europe to adopt a working definition of anti-Semitism that reflects the growing defamation of the Jewish state, and the increasing assault by those who question her very right to exist. Quite clearly, anti-Zionism equals anti-Semitism. The ADC has always maintained that those who vilify and malign Israel, who deny her sovereign right to exist, and who promote the venomous boycotts, divestments and sanctions movement should be treated as haters and racists. An all-encompassing definition of anti-Semitism must see through the guise of the anti-Semites who seek to hide their vile intentions under the mask of anti-Zionism. Most recently, President Obama drew a link between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism when discussing those who question Israel’s right to exist, and French Prime Minister Manuel Valls has observed that “Criticism of Israel that is based on anti-Zionism — that’s anti-Semitism today, this is the refuge of those who do not accept the State of Israel.” European governments have a moral obligation a pivotal role to play in countering the rising tide of anti-Jewish incitement which has resulted in violent attacks and murders, and a clear definition of anti-Semitism to be adopted by the EU will be an important step in effectively stemming the dramatic escalation in Jewish-hatred.”
The Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and all forms of hatred.
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677
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