The Council voted six to one on Wednesday to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism. Coun. Sarah Kirby-Yung of A Better City (ABC) Vancouver brought the movement forward. “At the root of it for me, when I boil it down, this is really about education,” Kirby-Yung said before casting her vote. “Education is the most powerful tool we have against hate. It is more powerful than any punitive action.” Vancouver Co. Sarah Kirby-Yung listens to speakers Tuesday during a motion to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism. (Ben Nelms/CBC) An intergovernmental organization, the IHRA defines anti-Semitism as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred of Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed against Jews or non-Jews and/or their property, institutions of the Jewish community and religious facilities’. Some groups, including at least one Jewish group, Independent Jewish Voices, have said the definition has been “weaponized” by Israel and its supporters against the Palestine Solidarity movement. There are concerns that the definition stifles criticism of Israel by equating that criticism with anti-Semitism. The Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs, a Zionist and Jewish advocacy group, told the CBC it was “disingenuous,” noting the guidelines for defining states, “criticism of Israel similar to that of any other country cannot be seen as anti-Semitic.” All the councilors and Sim emphasized that they opposed anti-Semitism in all its forms during the consultations. Councilors who did not vote in favor across the board said they were concerned the definition was divisive, including among self-identified Jewish speakers on the council. Those who supported the resolution argued that while not everyone would fully agree with the definition, adopting it was an important way to express solidarity with the Jewish community and make them feel safe in the city.
Speakers for and against
Dozens of people spoke for and against the designation most of Wednesday, including many who identified themselves as Jewish. Rabbi Jonathan Infeld of Congregation Beth Israel Vancouver spoke about his parents who survived the Holocaust. Many of his father’s relatives did not. He also spoke about his hometown of Pittsburgh, which was the scene of a tragic, fatal, anti-Semitic shooting in 2018. He said his congregation in Vancouver does not feel safe and adopting the definition would be a step forward. “Synagogues are the only holy places in this city that must have constant security for every service and every service we do,” he said. On the other hand, Michael Fraser, speaking on the phone, said that, as a Jew, he does not support the definition. He said his family was displaced by pogroms in Ukraine and has experienced “personal and systemic” anti-Semitism, including gruesome slurs and jokes about the Holocaust. He believes the definition is vague and misleading, and many Jews do not support it. “I do not accept the doctrine that we as Jews can only be safe with a nation-state that comes at the cost of displacing an indigenous people, namely the Palestinians, and a state that is insulated from criticism by moves like the IHRA definition.” Fraser said. A majority of the council said they did not believe the definition would limit free speech, and that while it may not have unanimous support, they were confident it had broad support among Jews. All ABC members voted in favour, except Coun. Rebecca Bligh, who was absent. Coun. Christine Boyle was the only vote in opposition. Green Party councilors Pete Fry and Adrian Carr abstained.
