Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) supports Vancouver City Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung’s motion calling on the city to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism.

The motion was introduced after a report released by the Vancouver Police Department hate crimes unit revealed that Vancouver’s Jewish community was the most targeted by hate crimes last year. In June, the Government of Canada announced that it will be adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism.

“Thank you to Councillor Kirby-Yung for seeing the importance of taking action against antisemitism. As the most targeted group when it comes to hate crimes, the Jewish community needs the help of government leaders to fight antisemitism and ensure Canada remains a nation where Jewish people can live without the fear of discrimination and violence,” said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo. “The IHRA definition is a helpful tool that should be used by all governments, law enforcement, educators and institutions working to counter antisemitism.”  

The motion is expected to be brought toward city council today.