The U.K. government is set to officially adopt a definition of anti-Semitism that would include condemnations of the state of Israel.
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Prime Minister Theresa May, who is expected to speak on the issue soon, says the measure will help curb hate crimes against Jews in Britain.
The definition of anti-Semitism set to be adopted was convened at a conference last May of the Berlin-based International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, and Britain will become one of the first countries to use it.
The IHRA’s definition reads: “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.”
More detailed guidance was released by the group in May and said anti-Semitism includes statements that suggest the existence of Israel is intrinsically racist, and could include criticisms of Israel that are “conceived as a Jewish collectivity.”
According to excerpts of her speech released in advance, May will say: “It is unacceptable that there is anti-Semitism in this country. It is even worse that incidents are reportedly on the rise. As a government we are making a real difference and adopting this measure is a groundbreaking step.”
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In a speech last month, U.K. Home Secretary Amber Rudd, said the government is re-committed to providing extra security for Jewish schools, synagogues and other community buildings.
It is a historic fact that the Zionist state of Israel itself was built on the ethnic cleansing of Arabs and Palestinians from the lands and homes they lived in and knew for hundreds of years, further barring them from ever returning to it. Most countries view Israeli West Bank settlements as illegal and an obstacle to peace.
In 1975, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution determining that "Zionism is a form of racism and racial discrimination." The resolution was repealed in 1991.