NDP members enter debate over anti-Semitism

A debate over the definition of anti-Semitism has spilled over to the federal New Democrats ahead of the party convention next month.

Nearly 50 NDP riding associations have endorsed a motion that opposes a working definition of anti-Semitism set out by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.

Critics of the definition say it chills legitimate criticism of Israeli policy, while backers say it crystallizes understandings of anti-Semitism, which they say includes demonization of the Jewish state.

Canada adopted the definition as part of the federal government's anti-racism strategy in 2019, one of more than two dozen countries to enshrine the non-legally binding parameters.

B'nai Brith Canada is calling on NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh to ensure resolutions against the definition are rejected.

Independent Jewish Voices Canada is asking party members to support such resolutions as a way to fight anti-Semitism and show solidarity with the Palestinian people.