NDP statement on the release of the IHRA Handbook

NDP critic for Diversity and Inclusion Blake Desjarlais (Edmonton Griesbach) issued the following statement:

"The fight against antisemitism is a shared responsibility that unites all Canadians in which New Democrats are strongly committed. Our country must work tirelessly to eliminate antisemitism from our society.

As we work together to confront this growing and real threat to the Jewish community, it is essential that we do so in a manner that upholds the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including the values of freedom of expression, democratic debate and promotion of human rights.

Since the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism by the Liberal government, New Democrats and progressive Jewish organizations, including the Progressive Israel Network, New Israel Fund of Canada, Independent Jewish Voices Canada and human rights groups, have raised concerns about its capacity to silence legitimate criticism of state institutions and their actions. Notably, Kenneth Stern, the original drafter of the IHRA definition, raised similar concerns, arguing that the weaponization of the definition had threatened free expression and the open exchange of constructive ideas.

In light of these concerns, New Democrats reiterate their position that the federal government should not adopt the IHRA definition and should provide a broader range of guidelines, including alternative definitions, to identify and take action to stop antisemitism. While it is not the place of the NDP to pick one definition over another, progressive Jewish organizations have suggested the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism and the Nexus Document as internationally recognized alternative definitions, since both documents have explicit language that protects the right to criticize state or government policies, without being labelled antisemitic. This comprehensive approach will help ensure that all sectors of society avoid conflating legitimate criticism of government policies with antisemitism, fostering a climate where nuanced discussions are possible and diverse perspectives are respected.

New Democrats believe that such guidance is essential to ensure that the federal government’s working definition is not weaponized to silence legitimate criticisms of state institutions and their actions or to deny the experiences of others. Furthermore, New Democrats emphasize that the definition should remain non-binding and that no specific approach be imposed on other institutions, including with federal funding decisions and university campus policies.

Antisemitism is an evil that must be confronted head-on. In doing so, we must ensure that in our fight against racism and hate, we do not inadvertently undermine the values of freedom of expression and efforts to counter other forms of hate, including anti-Palestinian racism. By adopting a more balanced approach that safeguards democratic freedoms, we can build a Canada that is free of antisemitism and protect the rights of all its citizens."