Council adopts International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism

Rochdale Borough Council unanimously approved a motion to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism at Wednesday’s full council meeting (11 October).

The motion was moved by Councillor Janet Emsley, who outlined how Rochdale Borough has a proud history of celebrating its diversity. It was seconded by Councillor Asley Dearnley who said he is 'pleased the council is debating such an important motion'.

The motion recognises that: "Anti-Semitism continues to be a problem in our country and formally adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of anti-Semitisms to highlight how anti-Semitism manifests itself in the 21st century.”

It also states: "Any form of intolerance, hatred or discrimination such as Antisemitism has no place in our Borough and in modern Britain."

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition as follows:

'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.'