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Camden adopts antisemitism definition
Camden council joins Harrow, Hertsmere and Barnet in adopting IHRA definition of antisemitism after brilliant speech backing the motion by South Hampstead Rabbi Shlomo Levin
April 25, 2017 12:52
Camden council joins Harrow, Hertsmere and Barnet in adopting IHRA definition of antisemitism after brilliant speech backing the motion by South Hampstead Rabbi Shlomo Levin
April 25, 2017 12:52
Camden council voted unanimously to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism at a meeting on Monday night.
Fears that the motion would be challenged by local anti-Zionist campaigners proved unfounded as the motion was supported by all the north London borough’s councillors on a fully cross-party basis.
South Hampstead Synagogue rabbi Shlomo Levin addressed the meeting in support of the motion as a response to rising rates of antisemitism across the UK.
He was supported by Abdul Hai, Labour councillor for the Kings Cross ward who said he had personally also experienced Islamophobia and recognised the importance of fighting all prejudice.
Camden Conservative leader Claire-Louise Leyland also spoke enthusiastically in support of the motion.
Phil Rosenberg, Camden Labour councillor for the West Hampstead ward and director of public affairs at the Board of Deputies, told the JC: "Despite pressure from those in denial about the problem of antisemitism, Camden has unanimously and across all parties passed the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
“I want to thank everyone who stood up to be counted, including Cllr Hai, Cllr Robinson and Rabbi Levin from South Hampstead Synagogue who spoke so well as the meeting."
The IHRA working definition was adopted by Prime Minister Theresa May on behalf of the UK late last year.
It has subsequently been adopted by Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party, the London Assembly, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and local authorities including Harrow, Hertsmere and Barnet.
During Monday evening’s meeting two organisations – Free Speech on Israel and the Camden Abu Dis Friendship Association - raised concerns about free speech which councillors considered but they ultimately decided that the motion had sufficient protections for freedom of expression.