Barrie is on-board with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.
City council gave final approval Monday to adopt the IHRA’s working definition, which passed unanimously and with no discussion.
It reads that: "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."
Five speakers made deputations to council on the motion — three favouring the definition, two against it.
Rabbi Audrey Kaufman, of Am Shalom Congregation in Barrie, spoke in favour of the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
“It is now 75 years since the Holocaust, and overt acts of antisemitism are significantly on the rise throughout the world, and at an alarming rate, right here in Ontario,” she said. “Understandably, the Jewish community is deeply concerned about rising antisemitism in Canada.
“The IHRA definition helps to clearly determine what it is and what is not antisemitism," Kaufman added.
Marshall Green, also with Am Shalom Synagogue, disagreed the definition was too vague.
“The definition must be more non-specific than specific in order to cover the spectrum of prejudice that the term antisemitism covers,” he said. “Barrie is a much different place today that it was even 20 years ago. Barrie will grow and it will flourish by promoting the diversity that is becoming Barrie by showing that it repeats and is willing to protect people of all different races, ethnic groups and religions who are now making the city their home.”
Green noted that 10 Ontario municipalities, the Canadian government, 34 nations and the United Nations have all adopted this as a working definition.
Noah Shack, of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said antisemitism affects everyone.
“History shows that antisemitism left unchecked doesn’t just mean a dangerous situation for Jews, but erodes the fabric of our society as a whole,” he said. “Jewish people are resilient, but there is considerable fear about what will happen if rising antisemitism is left unchecked.”
Barrie media and communications specialist Michael Speers, along with Dan Freeman-Maloy, a Montreal-based activist and writer, both spoke against council adopting the definition.
“The definition adds nothing to the antiracism conversation,” Speers said. “It is vague and doesn’t even identify antisemitism as a form of racism. So why adopt it?”
He said Barrie’s Jewish community should adopt its own definition.
Freeman-Maloy, who grew up in Barrie, said that while council is well-intentioned, the definition is too flawed.
“It will mark the beginning and by no means the end of this discussion,” he said. “This is not a step forward, but frankly, a bit of an embarrassment. These are important issues that are being discussed with a combination of emptiness, and examples associated with them, that are downright counterproductive.”
The IHRA is an intergovernmental body made up of government officials and experts from 31 countries. It supports Holocaust education, remembrance and research in member countries and around the world.
Canada adopted IHRA’s working definition of antisemitism as a non-legally binding tool on June 25, 2019, as part of its anti-racism strategy.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Jan. 27, 2020.
“The Holocaust was one of the darkest chapters in human history. Today, we remember and pay tribute to the more than six million Jews who were senselessly murdered during the Holocaust, and the countless other victims of Nazi atrocities,” Trudeau said.
“We also honour the survivors and share their stories of courage, hope, and perseverance against unspeakable evil, and recognize the heroes who risked their lives to save others.”
