NZ must adopt IHRA

May I suggest to the human rights commissioner and the race relations commissioner (28 Jan) that as a part of the “Government’s National Action Plan” to “devise a commission plan of action against anti-Semitism” that it begins by adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism. This working definition has been adopted by many nations so far including Canada, the United States and many European countries who were witnesses to the vilest anti-Semitism just seventy-five years ago. The United Nations and European Union support it. The IHRA definition of antisemitism states: “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.” The definition also provides “contemporary examples of antisemitism in public life”. This would be a great start to the commission’s plan of action.

• Nigel Woodley, 28 January 2021, Dominion Post