Lithuania to apply the uniform working definition of antisemitism

The Government meeting has approved the definition of antisemitism as endorsed by the session of the International Alliance of Holocaust Remembrance on 26 May 2016 in Bucharest. All the public authorities are recommended to take this definition into account in their work.

The IHRA recommendation regarding the consolidation of the legally non-binding working definition of antisemitism states: ‘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 entire democratic world must constantly fight the manifestations of antisemitism that are still observed nowadays, while preventing the slightest opportunities giving rise to this negative phenomenon. Therefore, the uniform and broad application of the definition of antisemitism will contribute to the efforts of the international community towards strengthening fight against antisemitism’, said Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis.

It should be noted that the European Parliament adopted a resolution of 1 June 2017 on combating anti-Semitism, which calls on the Member States and the Union institutions and agencies to adopt and apply the working definition of anti-Semitism employed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Lithuania has been involved in the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) since 2002, particularly in the areas of Holocaust education, research and commemoration.