Combating Anti-Semitism in Vancouver

We have become aware of the motion “Combating Anti-Semitism in Vancouver” being brought forward to Vancouver City Council by Councilor Sarah Kirby-Yung. 

In general, we absolutely applaud the sentiment of this motion. We abhor anti-Semitism and all forms of racism, xenophobia, and discrimination. These have no place in our great city.

However, we do have grave concerns with one aspect of the motion as it has been presented. This is specifically the segment dealing with adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. The problem with this definition of antisemitism is that is includes criticism of the state of Israel as a form of anti-Semitism.