Museum Supports Working Definitions on Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial

September 12, 2016

UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM SUPPORTS WORKING DEFINITIONS ON ANTISEMITISM AND ON HOLOCAUST DENIAL 

WASHINGTON, DC – On September 7, 2016, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum joined the delegations of Canada, the EU, Israel, and the United States to the United Nations at a High Level Forum on Global Antisemitism.  The discussion of this growing problem and how to address it was enhanced by the use of the working definitions of antisemitism and Holocaust denial established by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).  The Museum applauds IHRA, and encourages all international organizations to immediately endorse and make use of its Working Definition on Holocaust Denial and Distortion and the Working Definition on Antisemitism as they develop the mechanisms needed to stem the tide of rising antisemitism and related phenomena that distort the historical record of the Holocaust. 

“Manifestations of antisemitism are increasing in frequency, and often go hand-in-hand with actions that distort or misuse the historical record of the Holocaust,” said Robert Williams, the Museum’s senior representative on the US delegation to IHRA.  “These definitions provide guidance for international bodies, governments, businesses, and NGOs to understand contemporary forms of antisemitism, so that they can bolster their responses to this particularly vicious form of hate.”

A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity.  Its far-reaching educational programs and global impact are made possible by generous donors.  The Museum is dedicated to raising the level of Holocaust discourse and legitimacy about the Holocaust in countries where there is rising denial, distortion, and antisemitism.  For more information, please visit https://www.ushmm.org/confront-antisemitism

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Tags:   antisemitismholocaust denial and distortion