The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) formally adopted a working definition of antisemitism in 2016. Alberta joins three Canadian provinces and 35 countries around the world by recognizing this definition.
“Remembering the Holocaust is a moral obligation – and antisemitism, like all forms of racism and prejudice, has no place in Alberta. In endorsing this internationally recognized definition, Alberta is doing its part to make sure we continue to learn from this painful history and promise never to repeat it.”
“Hatred against any person or group based on race or religion is harmful to all of us. Alberta’s government is endorsing this definition of antisemitism to let the Jewish community know we stand with them against discrimination and will not tolerate hate in our communities. I invite all Albertans to speak out against this hatred and help foster a more accepting province.”
“As a leader in Alberta’s Jewish community, I am thrilled to see the province taking action to call out and decry all forms of antisemitism. Naming the hate we experience and standing together against it will make Alberta an even better, more welcoming place to live and worship.”
“Alberta joins Ontario in formally adopting the IHRA’s definition of antisemitism. We thank the province for working with us over the past year to make this major development happen – its importance cannot be overstated.”
“With antisemitic hate crimes on the rise across the country, fighting antisemitism is a priority – not just for the Jewish community but for all Albertans and Canadians. The IHRA definition equips policy makers with a usable tool to address this rise in hate and discrimination. We look forward to working with stakeholders as they apply the definition to guide education, public policy, anti-racism strategies and law enforcement frameworks.”
“The Government of Alberta has sent a strong message that antisemitism has no place in society. To combat antisemitism effectively, it must first be defined. The IHRA definition will help Albertans identify and combat antisemitism in all its forms.”
Alberta’s government has introduced a variety of programs and supports to help fight hate and bias-motivated crimes throughout the province. The Alberta Security Infrastructure Program helps reduce incidents of vandalism and violence at places of worship and other facilities where groups targeted by hate congregate. The province is offering $5 million this year to help cover costs associated with security improvements and risk mitigation so Albertans can gather and worship in peace.
Alberta also established law enforcement resources such as the Hate Crime Coordination Unit and hate crime community liaisons to help take on those spreading hate while ensuring support and assistance go to the places of worship and community organizations most in need.
Quick facts
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Established in 1998, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance brings together governments and experts to strengthen, advance and promote Holocaust education, research and remembrance.
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The alliance formally adopted the following working definition of antisemitism in 2016: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, towards Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
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Alberta is endorsing the definition through an order in council.
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Canada, Quebec, New Brunswick and Ontario have also adopted or endorsed this definition.