PRESS RELEASE: April 6, 2021
On the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day, over 350 academics and intellectuals from around the world sign letter of support for IHRA Working Definition of Antisemtism.
The Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation (CAEF) is proud to endorse the unparalleled grassroots campaign of over 350 leading academics and intellectuals from the world, including U.S., Canada, Europe and the Arab world, as well as Israel, who have published an open letter, supporting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism as “an invaluable tool.”
Signatories come from across the political spectrum with varying views on the Israeli-Arab Palestinian conflict, however, they are unequivocally united by the urgent need to respond to rising Jew hatred worldwide.
Among the notable signatories are:
Professor Cary Nelson, Jubilee Professor of Liberal Arts & Sciences Emeritus, University of Illinois
Dr.Majid Al Sarrah of the UAE, CEO of Shakara UAE, and Expert in Public Policy from London School of Economics
Dr. David Hirsh, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Goldsmiths, University of London, author of Contemporary Leftist Antisemitism.
Dr. Ephraim Zuroff, Chief Nazi Hunter, Simon Wiesenthal Center
Dr. Mehnaz Afridi, Director of Holocaust, Genocide and Interfaith Education at Manhattan College, author of Shoah Through Muslim Eyes.
Canadian Signatories include:
Dr. Jan Grabowsky, Professor of History, University of Ottawa
Professor Gil Troy, Professor of History, McGill University
Ira Robinson, Professor of Judaic Studies, Concordia University
Dr Salim Mansur, Professor Emeritus of Political Science, University of Western Ontario
Dr Robyn Shafer, Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto, family doctor
The IHRA is the most widely endorsed definition of antisemitism in the world, and has been adopted by over 30 countries including Canada, as well as the province of Ontario and many Canadian municipalities. It has also been adopted by leading institutions including American and UK universities, football and other spots clubs, and multilateral institutions.
Importantly, the signatories point out that the IHRA working definition “recognizes that contemporary antisemitism is often directed against the State of Israel,” focusing “obsessively on Zionism.” Antisemites malign and oppose Zionism, and often the very existence of the State of Israel, in this modern manifestation of an age old hatred. The signatories point out that this “cannot be understood as anything but an assault of Jewish history, identity and safety.” It is Jew hatred!
The Letter also acknowledges that academia is the backbone of today’s intellectual discussion and framing of the conversation about antisemitism, and that Jewish students in particular, are the front-line recipients of this campaign of hatred, violence and intimidation.
A recent study published by Professor Jay P. Greene, Professor Albert Cheng, and Ian Kingsbury, reveals the disturbing fact that antisemitism is more prevalent among the more educated not as expected, among the lesser educated. Anita Bromberg, President of CAEF, states; “This points to an even more significant reason to adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism and put it to work in Canadian schools and universities- to prevent the ongoing harassment of Jewish students, the threatening and intimidating atmosphere at some major universities and the ongoing education of individuals towards Jew hatred.”
The letter’s release date, falling between the end of Passover, the Jewish holiday of freedom, and Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day, significantly underscores the urgent need for constant vigilance and unwavering determination against the scourge of antisemitism, against Jew hatred.
Canadians are urged to get behind the call for the universal adoption of IHRA and its implementation. Andria Spindel, Executive Director of CAEF, points out that the media too must acknowledge that a common, universal definition of antisemitism is required and adopt the IHRA and utilize it in helping Canadians to understand the nature of this ancient hatred, and put an End to Jew Hatred.
For more info:
Andria Spindel, Executive Director
Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation andria@caef.ca
CAEF is a registered Canadian charitable organization that for almost 20 years has been educating people and urging awareness of rising antisemitism, racism and other forms of bigotry. CAEF work with interfaith allies to address these societal problems, to combat persecution of minorities, and to stand proudly for Zionism and against Jew hatred.
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