Combating anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination. Implementing the IHRA working definition of anti-Semitism in Poland.

In response to the persistent presence of antisemitism and other forms of discrimination—such as racism, homophobia, and antigypsyism—in the public sphere, the project addressed the need to strengthen societal responses and develop coherent tools to counter these phenomena.

The operational definition of antisemitism developed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) served as a key reference point for the activities. Its importance, emphasized by international experts, stems from the fact that the lack of a unified definition has hindered the effective monitoring and prosecution of bias-motivated crimes. The dissemination and implementation of this definition constituted an important step toward more effective counteraction of antisemitism.

The project was implemented through a partnership of organizations: Beit Polska – the Union of Progressive Jewish Communities, the Jewish Association Czulent, and the Catholic Intelligentsia Club, with the support of the Jewish Community of Warsaw. The joint activities focused on raising public awareness and strengthening cooperation between civil society organizations, public administration, and policymakers.

As part of the project:

• awareness among members of parliament was increased regarding the scale and nature of antisemitism in Poland, as well as the importance of the IHRA definition as a tool for countering discrimination;
  
  
• advocacy activities were undertaken to encourage local governments to adopt declarations supporting the IHRA definition;
• dialogue was initiated with representatives of government administration to promote the use of the IHRA definition in public institutions’ documents, guidelines, and training programs;
• legal professionals, law enforcement agencies, and judicial institutions were encouraged to incorporate the IHRA definition into professional practice and education systems;
• the position of minority organizations and civil society was strengthened as partners in public policymaking processes;
• directions for further advocacy activities were developed, including strategies for future campaigns addressing various forms of discrimination.

The implementation of the project contributed to building broader consensus around the need for a systemic approach to countering antisemitism and other forms of exclusion. At the same time, it strengthened the role of the Jewish Association Czulent as an organization actively shaping public debate and developing advocacy tools based on international standards.

Project support and cooperation

Leader of the project:

• Beit Poland – Union of Progressive Jewish Communities

Partners:

• Jewish Association Czulent
• The Catholic Intelligence Club
• 
  The Jewish Religious Community in Warsaw.

Financial support

• National Democratic Institute