This roundtable was aimed at members of Parliament, members of the European Parliament, policy analysts, advisors, decision-makers and public opinion influencers. They were invited to participate in this special meeting about combating antisemitism today, in particular by adopting the IHRA working definition of antisemitism worldwide.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) adopted in 2016 the following non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism:

“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.”

Working definitions and international charters are practical tools meant to raise awareness and empower people to fight issues like antisemitism, Holocaust denial and Roma discrimination.

So far, majority of the European countries have endorsed the definition. They are joined by the EU Commission, Council and Parliament, as well as by the UN Secretary General and the Secretary General of OAS (Organization of American States).

This discussion featured talks about the definition's significance, reports from countries that have implemented it, the hesitancy and criticisms around it and practical ways to advocate for its adoption and to use it in the daily fight against antisemitism.

This event took place on January 27, the International Day of Commemoration of Victims of the Holocaust, via Zoom.

Hosted by:

MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen (Netherlands), and MP Peter Östman (Finland)

Speakers:

Dr. Nachman Shai, IL Minister for Diaspora Affairs

Katharina von Schnurbein, EU Coordinator on Combating Anti-Semitism and  Fostering Jewish Life

MK Ruth Wasserman Lande (Israel), Blue & White Party; Knesset Christian Allies Caucus member

Elan S. Carr, former U.S. Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating anti-Semitism

Josh Reinstein, President of International Allies Foundation

... and other experts.