Scarborough Council adopts definition of anti-Semitism: 'We need to show all our diverse communities they are valued'

The council unanimously passed a motion brought by the authority’s Conservative group to accept the definition.

Cllr Derek Bastiman, the leader of the Tory opposition group, said some political leaders had failed to address the issue of anti-Semitism at the national level which has led to problems.

Cllr Heather Phillips, the deputy leader of the Conservative Group, said the council would be “catching up” with other authorities which had already adopted the definition.

The IHRA definition states: “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.”

The motion presented by Cllrs Bastiman and Phillips added: “The definition should be interpreted to cover all forms of persecution carried out since 1933, not exclusively the atrocities carried out against the Jewish communities around Europe.

“Recent conflicts in Syria, Rwanda, Darfur, Iraq and Yemen show that the lessons that should have been learnt since the Second World War have not been.

“We need to show all of our diverse communities that they are valued and deserve respect.”