Today is #HolocaustMemorialDay when we remember all those who lost their lives in the Holocaust.
We all have a duty to stand against hatred and prejudice so we never see a repeat.
Incidents of antisemitic abuse in the UK hit a record high in 2019.1 Antisemitism and Holocaust denial are completely unacceptable in any civilized society. It is unacceptable that there is antisemitism anywhere in this world and troubling that that incidents in the UK have risen in recent years.
Antisemitism, as defined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA), is a certain perception of Jewish people which may be expressed in hatred but can take other forms. The IHRA definition is a settled definition which has been negotiated and agreed at an international level and adopted by the UK and foreign governments. Formally adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism as a country and a Party has helped provide a clear framework to identify, expose and root out antisemitism in society.
To understand and adopt the definition locally sends a clear message to the Jewish community that the Conservative Party, at every possible level, is committed to identifying and stamping out antisemitic abuse in the UK.
It was with this firmly in mind that the Conservative Cabinet of CHESHIRE EAST COUNCIL approved the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance working definition of antisemitism at its meeting on 6th November 2018 in response to a notice of motion on the adoption of the same, as proposed by Councillor Stewart Gardiner and seconded by Councillor Martin Deakin at the Council meeting on 18 October 2018.
The adopted notice of motion is as follows:
“We call upon this Council to adopt formally the definition of antisemitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) in 2016 and to ensure that its Equality and Diversity Policies clearly state that there will be no tolerance of antisemitism by its officers or elected members.
Additionally, we call on the Council to declare that it stands four-square behind all Jewish people living in Cheshire East; together with their family members, in these difficult times for their community.
Furthermore, we request that the Director of People be charged with putting in place community cohesion strategies that will help and support any victims of antisemitism or other religious intolerances that may manifest themselves within this Borough."
“We Remember”
