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DEPUTATION CONCERNING MOTION 20-G-139, ADOPTION OF INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE ALLIANCE (IHRA) DEFINITION OF ANTISEMITISM
The following Deputations were provided concerning motion 20-G-139, Adoption of International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Definition of Antisemitism:
1. Rabbi Audrey Kaufman on behalf of the Am Shalom Congregation advised she feels that that the IHRA's definition is important to the local Jewish Community. Rabbi Kaufmann commented that the IHRA motion being accepted by the City of Barrie is at a time 75 years ago was the Holocaust and discussed her observations of the overt acts of antisemitism being on the rise and associated concerns of the Jewish community. Rabbi Kaufmann acknowledged that some forms of antisemitism are not always easy to identify and noted that she felt that IHRA's definition provides clarity in this regard. She further acknowledged that the definition is not associated with politics and is not pro or anti against different groups and is a perception of the meaning of antisemitism being expressed as a hatred toward Jews, with no other political motives or biases and is not a legally binding statement. Rabbi Kaufmann advised that the Jewish Community of Barrie believes that the adoption of the IHRA motion is an important tool in the fight against antisemitism especially when the Jewish population of Barrie is increasing, so she noted that she felt it is important to know that the local government supports them. She advised that this motion is being considered during the holiest time of Jewish year, the Ten Days of Repentance between the Rosh Hashanah and their New Year to Yom Kippur the Day of Atonement
2. Marshall Green commented on his personal and emotional attachment to the motion. Mr. Green advised that he and his wife move to Barrie in 1973, and that Barrie's Population i 26,000 people, eight of whom were Jewish. He commented that Barrie has come a long way since 1973 including a ...
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