North East Combined Authority Adopts IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism
North East Combined Authority's first Mayor, Kim McGuinness has announced the Combined Authority Cabinet's decision to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. This decision was ratified by the Combined Authority Cabinet today (28th January), the day after Holocaust Memorial Day which marks 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
At a time where many British Jews feel increasingly unsafe due to rising antisemitism, this welcomed move ensures the region can swiftly and effectively respond to instances of anti-Jewish hatred in the North East.
Jewish communities have been established across the North East since as early as the 18th century, with a large Charedi community in Gateshead, two synagogues in Newcastle, as well as Jewish students on campuses across the region.
The decision follows the positive trend of adoption of the IHRA definition by the UK government, major parties, hundreds of local councils, the Metropolitan police, Crown Prosecution Service and other government and public bodies.
The JLC has had many engagements with Mayor McGuinness since her election, including regular meetings with Community Security Trust and a December roundtable of communal organisations which included the Union of Jewish Student's, World Jewish Relief, Chai Cancer Care and Jewish Women's Aid.
Mayor of the North East Combined Authority, Kim McGuinness stated:
"I am pleased that the North East Combined Authority will adopt the (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. This is especially poignant in the week we mark Holocaust Memorial Day and I will continue to work closely with the Jewish Leadership Council to ensure the message is clear - antisemitism will not be tolerated in the North East. Everyone in the North East has a right to feel safe and I am pleased to continue to show our support for our vibrant Jewish communities."
JLC's Yorkshire & East Coast Regional Manager, Leo Brosh stated:
"I am grateful to Mayor McGuinness for her leadership in adopting the IHRA definition within the new Combined Authority. It is encouraging that the Mayor recognises that IHRA is a tool to identify anti-Jewish racism, and that adoption is nothing without accompanying action. I look forward to continuing to work with the Mayor to strengthen and support the Jewish community in the North East."
Responding to the announcement, Simon Henig, Joint President of the Representative Council of North East Jewry stated:
"We are delighted that the new North East Combined Authority and Mayor McGuinness have adopted the IHRA definition. This is particularly important at a time of rising numbers of antisemitic incidents in the UK and globally, and as we commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, which this year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. As we learn from the past, we can all work together, locally, regionally and nationally to take action for a better future."
