Liverpool City Region Combined Authority formally adopts official definition of antisemitism


Following consultation with the Merseyside Jewish Representative Council, the Jewish Leadership Council (JLC), and leading members of the Jewish community across the city region, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has formally adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism in full.


Steve Rotheram’s proposal to adopt the definition was unanimously agreed at the Combined Authority meeting on Friday, 19 October 2018.


The definition, which was set out by the IHRA in Bucharest last year, will help to ensure there is clarity around what antisemitism is. This is a clear and practical working definition of antisemitism, and it is hoped that its adoption will create confidence within the Jewish community in the Liverpool City Region, and make it easy to recognise what is and is not antisemitic.


Marc Levy, North West regional manager at the JLC said:


“The Merseyside Jewish community has always enjoyed a fantastic relationship with Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram. This was further cemented in a recent meeting where Steve agreed to adopt the full IHRA definition on antisemitism. The Jewish community strongly believe it is vital that there be a clear and practical definition that allows society to fight antisemitism in all its forms.


“I am delighted that this has been acted upon so swiftly and I would like to place on record my thanks to Steve for taking the concerns of the Jewish community so seriously.”


Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:


“Our city region has a strong record in standing against antisemitism and all other forms of hate crime. We cherish and celebrate the differences of all of our communities and traditions, but ultimately recognise that there is more that unites than divides us.


“As a Combined Authority we are here to serve all of our communities and that includes supporting the excellent work done by our constituent local authorities to build community cohesion. Adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition should help to build on that work and send a strong message that we will not tolerate antisemitism or any other hate crime.”


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