Dec. 19, 2022
REGINA — B’nai Brith Canada commends the Government of Saskatchewan for becoming the latest province to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.
“We are thrilled that the Government of Saskatchewan has decided to adopt the IHRA definition,” said Michael Mostyn, Chief Executive Officer of B’nai Brith Canada. “By instituting this key definition, the province provides hope to Jewish Saskatchewanians and all concerned about the current state of antisemitism.
“B’nai Brith Canada has worked diligently with officials to bring about this day, and we thank Premier Scott Moe and Minister of Justice and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre for their leadership. We are ready to work with Saskatchewan to promote the IHRA definition as a tool that will aid policy makers and institutions in effectively combating Jew hatred.”
Mostyn expressed the Jewish community’s appreciation with remarks in today’s announcement by the Saskatchewan Government.
“During this spiritual holiday season, it’s important to come together in peace,” Minister Eyre said. “Antisemitism is on the rise and must be condemned, along with all forms of intolerance and hatred.”
Saskatchewan is the fifth province to adopt the IHRA definition. Previously, Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba and New Brunswick adopted it. The Federal Government also uses the definition.
The IHRA was created in 1998 by former Swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson to enhance education about the Holocaust. It has 35 member countries, including Canada and the United States.
“The announcement by Premier Moe of the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism is greatly appreciated by Saskatoon B’nai Brith,” said David Katzman, president of Saskatoon B’nai Brith Lodge No. 739. “This definition will help all of us to appropriately respond to the ugly antisemitism that is growing more obvious and even mainstream.”
Marvin Rotrand, National Director of B’nai Brith’s League for Human Rights, is equally pleased.
“The Government of Saskatchewan has recognized that antisemitism is on the rise in Canada and has adopted the IHRA definition to aid decision makers, civil servants and law enforcement better recognize and react to hate aimed at Jews in the province,” he said. “We are convinced that the adoption of the IHRA definition will reassure the Jewish population in Saskatchewan while bolstering the tools at the province’s disposal to eradicate hate targeting Jews.”
