Israeli Ambassador urges Ukraine to adopt IHRA definition of anti-Semitism

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Israel to Ukraine Joel Lion. Photo: lb.ua

On May 4, 2020, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Israel to Ukraine Joel Lion called on the Ukrainian authorities to adopt at the legislative level a definition of anti-Semitism of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).

“I commend the decision of Serbia to adopt the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism and once again call upon Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers, President Vladimir Zelensky, the parliament to accept it. A clear definition helps better fight anti-Semitism,” Lion wrote on his Twitter account.

According to the IHRA, anti-Semitism is "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews."

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance believes that "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.”

Zelensky said earlier that anti-Semitism hype in Ukraine is a provocation. The President reiterated that the Ukrainian authorities are determined to prevent crimes related to anti-Semitism, xenophobia and intolerance in the country.

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