Toronto (April 12, 2021) – An effort by radical voices within the NDP to have the federal party reject the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism has failed.

A resolution calling on the NDP to oppose the IHRA definition of antisemitism was to be voted on by NDP members at the party’s convention that took place this past weekend, but in the end was not prioritized and did not make it to the floor.  

The failure of the resolution comes after Holocaust survivors affiliated with FSWC expressed support for the IHRA definition in an open letter to NDP members last week. The survivors outlined the importance of the IHRA definition and expressed alarm over the proposed resolution to reject the definition.

FSWC remains concerned, however, over a resolution that was adopted, titled “Justice and Peace in Israel-Palestine,” which unfairly attacks Israel while failing to hold terrorist organizations accountable for attacks on Israel and human rights violations.  

FSWC President and CEO Michael Levitt issued the following statement:

"The IHRA definition of antisemitism is an important tool that helps people recognize and combat antisemitism, and it has been adopted by governments and institutions around the world, including in Canada. We are relieved the NDP did not specifically reject the IHRA definition last weekend, but ultimately we hope to see the party stand in solidarity with the Jewish community in fighting back against antisemitism by adopting the IHRA definition."