The FCJE and the CIB welcome the return of Barcelona's twinning with Tel-Aviv and Gaza
The centenary Jewish community of Barcelona (CIB.CAT), and the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain (FCJE), applaud the decision announced by the City Council of the Catalan capital to resume its twinning with Tel-Aviv and Gaza.
Through a press release issued by the FCJE, the latest political move by the Barcelona City Council led by Jaume Collboni after the turbulent period led by the previous mayoress Ada Colau has been very positively assessed.
The official communiqué issued by the FCJE is reproduced below:
The centenary Jewish community of Barcelona (CIB.CAT), and the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain (FCJE), applaud the decision announced by the City Council of the Catalan capital to resume its twinning with Tel-Aviv and Gaza. A decree by the mayor, Jaume Collboni, has annulled the suspension of the twinning with Tel-Aviv decided unilaterally and during the election period by the previous mayoress in February of this year 2023.
In this sense, they propose that, in addition to undoing the steps in the wrong direction, Barcelona City Council should take them in the right direction and adopt the definition of anti-Semitism established by the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance), which is the one used by the European Commission since 2017, and which the Parliament of Catalonia already endorsed on 22 January 2020, as did more than a thousand governments, cities and global entities.
The rupture caused pain in the Jewish world and among many Barcelonians and Catalans in general. Unfortunately, this decree also provoked anti-Semitic acts in our institutions, without the communities receiving support from either the previous municipal administration or the current Generalitat government. We believe that the rift should never have occurred, and we endorse the words of Mayor Collboni, who, during his visit to Barcelona's century-old synagogue, pledged not to allow "anti-Semitism to stand in the way of cooperation and friendship".
When all parties in conflict sit down for dialogue, they can find common ground. That is why the twinning between Tel Aviv, Gaza and Barcelona is a tool for dialogue and a door to start talking, not destroying. The CIB, as the centenary Jewish community of Barcelona, regrets that the previous mayoress never approached this institution, although three letters were sent to her since the twinning was broken, but she did not reply.
Declaration of anti-Semitism by the IHRA
The IHRA (www.holocaustremembrance.com), International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance is an international organisation that promotes Holocaust education, research and remembrance, challenging anti-Semitism and other forms of hatred and discrimination.
According to the IHRA: "Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews that can be expressed as hatred of Jews. Physical and rhetorical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed at Jewish or non-Jewish persons and/or their property, the institutions of Jewish communities and their places of worship".
The adoption of the definition of anti-Semitism established by the IHRA can have several consequences, as this definition provides a framework for identifying and understanding anti-Semitism:
- Clarification of what constitutes anti-Semitism: the use of the IHRA definition helps to clearly define what is considered anti-Semitism, providing a solid basis for identifying and addressing this type of prejudice and behaviour.
- Improving data collection: Organisations and institutions can use this definition to improve data collection on incidents of anti-Semitism, which can help to assess the extent of the problem and develop appropriate responses.
- Prevention and education: the IHRA definition can be a useful tool for education and awareness programmes that aim to prevent antisemitism and promote tolerance and intercultural understanding.
- Combating discrimination: the use of this definition can help organisations and governments to take more effective measures to combat discrimination and intolerance towards Jews and the Jewish community.
- Legal liability: The adoption of this definition may have legal implications, as some countries or regions may incorporate it into their laws and policies to combat anti-Semitism. This may result in harsher penalties for those who commit acts of anti-Semitism.
- International relations: The definition of the IHRA can influence international relations and international responses to incidents of antisemitism, international policies and calls for action.
From the FCJE and CIB.CAT we propose to Mayor Collboni to continue the movement initiated by his leadership and embrace the path that has always defined Barcelona: a society of progress and vanguard, dialogue and tolerance, which does not tolerate or promote any form of anti-Semitism or discrimination against minorities. In this way, the city of Barcelona would send a message of clear commitment to the fight against hatred and the promotion of peaceful coexistence between all communities; fostering an inclusive environment in which all people, regardless of their ethnic or religious background, are welcome, live in safety and are respected.