Toronto (May 9, 2023) – Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) commends the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for its adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.

Earlier today, the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, signed a proclamation to adopt the IHRA definition as he was joined by Jewish community representatives.

A media advisory from the Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills stated, “This definition of antisemitism is being adopted along with a pledge to continue the dialogue on antisemitism and to continue to demonstrate support for the Jewish community.”

“Today, the Newfoundland and Labrador government sent a strong message that it is an ally of the Jewish community, in the province and across the country, and is committed to confronting antisemitism in all its forms,” said FSWC President and CEO Michael Levitt. “The IHRA definition of antisemitism is a critical tool for identifying and combatting Jew-hatred, and it is needed now more than ever as Jewish people in the country continue to be the targets of hate incidents.”

Newfoundland and Labrador is the sixth Canadian province to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism, following Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and New Brunswick.

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