UK Adopts Official Antisemitism Definition

The UK will adopt an official definition of antisemitism meaning perpetrators will be "called out on it", Theresa May will say in a speech on Monday.

The wording put forward by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance will be used by police, councils, universities and public bodies. It defines the hatred as "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews."

It adds: "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 organisation says it hopes the wording will be adopted globally.

It is already used in 31 countries including the USA, Israel, France and Germany. The group says having a "legally binding working definition" gives countries the "political tools" to deal with anti-Jewish hate.

Downing Street the wording would mean people could no longer get away with antisemitism because it was poorly defined or because different bodies used different definitions.

The Prime Minister will say: "There will be one definition of anti-Semitism - in essence, language or behaviour that displays hatred towards Jews because they are Jews - and anyone guilty of that will be called out on it."

She will add: "It is unacceptable that there is anti-Semitism in this country. It is even worse that incidents are reportedly on the rise."

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said anti-Semitism must be seen as "an attack on the identity of people who live, contribute and are valued in our society".

"There can be no excuses for anti-Semitism or any other form of racism or prejudice," he said.

"Crimes must always be reported, and the law enforced, but we also want to create an environment that prevents hate crime from happening in the first place."

The announcement comes after a man who subjected Jewish Labour MP Luciana Berger to online abuse was jailed for two years last week.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who has faced accusations of being soft on antisemitism, welcomed the move. His spokesman said hatred towards Jews was "as repugnant and unacceptable as any other form of racism".

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.