(London) The London borough of Hackney at 6.3% of its population being
Jewish, has the second highest number of
Jews in the capital and concerned about the 20% rise of anti-Semitism this past
reporting year within its borders passed a motion to adopt the legal
definition of anti-Semitism as drafted by the International Holocaust
Remembrance Alliance (IHRA):
“Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
That definition is
supported by over 30 governments, including the UK, the Scottish and Welsh
parliaments. Over 120 councils have adopted it, including 18 London boroughs. However,
despite its intentions, the definition itself has attracted a number of vocal
opponents. Protests and heckling have taken place during talks in other boroughs,
with critics saying of the IHRA saying it will “restrict freedom of speech
about Israel.” Speaking last year after Haringey Council’s adoption of the
IHRA’s definition in 2017, Bibi Khan, trustee of the Wightman Road Mosque opined:
“We as Muslims are committed to fighting all forms of hatred and bigotry, but we deeply regret the definition, which we believe will or could shut down legitimate criticism of Israel”
Yup, isn’t it strange how Muslims who can see Islamophobia
everywhere they look in the UK, play the
freedom of speech card when it concerns jews. Oh look there’s that ‘H’ word
again.
