Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the compatibility of anti-Zionism with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism.

Antisemitism has absolutely no place in our society, which is why we’re taking a strong lead in tackling it in all its forms.  Sadly, we have seen how events in the Middle East are used as an excuse to stir up hatred and violence against Jewish communities.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism outlines that 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.

The Definition contains several illustrative examples that demonstrate what may be considered antisemitism, depending on the overall context.

We became the first country to adopt the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism and continue to encourage other bodies to do so. Over three quarters of councils in England have now adopted the IHRA definition.