AJC Praises Moldova Endorsement of Anti-Semitism 'Working Definition'

NEW YORK, Jan. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- AJC applauded Moldova for adopting the international working definition of anti-Semitism.

The Decision on Condemning anti-Semitism and Promotion of Tolerance issued today by Prime Minister Pavel Filip endorses the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism, and commits Moldavan authorities to prevent and combat anti-Semitism, extremism, racism and any other form of discrimination or intolerance.

"Moldova has taken a laudable step in recognizing clearly the resurgent cancer of anti-Semitism and mobilizing to effectively combat it," said American Jewish Committee (AJC) CEO David Harris, who has visited the country several times. "We commend the Jewish Community of Moldova, an AJC international partner, for working with their government to achieve this important policy decision."

AJC, the global Jewish advocacy organization founded in 1906 after deadly pogroms in Tsarist-ruled Kishinev, marked its 110th anniversary during a visit to the Moldovan capital in July, 2016.

The IHRA definition, adopted by the alliance's 31 member states in 2016, is based on the 2005 European Monitoring Centre (EUMC) Working Definition. It offers a clear and comprehensive description of anti-Semitism in its various forms, including hatred and discrimination against Jews, Holocaust denial, and, of particular note, anti-Semitism as it relates to Israel.

AJC worked closely over a decade ago with the EUMC in developing this working definition as a tool for monitors and law enforcement officials.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee