A statement from B’nai B’rith Panama/The Jewish Community in Panama:

Panama Adopts IHRA Definition of Anti-Semitism to Combat Discrimination and Hatred

(Panama City, July 25, 2023)-Panama has taken a significant step in its commitment against discrimination and hate by officially signing up to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Definition of Anti-Semitism. In an official act, representatives of the Jewish Community of Panama witnessed this historic adhesion, which was attended by Dr. Fernando Lottenberg, Commissioner of the Organization of American States (OAS) for monitoring and combating anti-Semitism, who praised the country’s commitment to reinforcing the values of inclusion, tolerance and respect.

The IHRA Definition, adopted since 2016, has been endorsed by thirty-five democratic countries, including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Australia, Israel, Argentina, Uruguay, Guatemala, and Colombia. This groundbreaking document clearly states that anti-Semitism can manifest itself in various forms, including discriminatory verbal expressions, acts or attitudes, and also addresses the application of double standards to Israel. By joining this definition, Panama joins the growing list of nations committed to the fight against intolerance and discrimination towards the Jewish community.

Panama’s decision to officially adopt the IHRA Definition of Anti-Semitism marks a milestone in its commitment to fighting discrimination and hate in all its forms. By doing so, the country strengthens its position in the defense of human rights, diversity and inclusion, and sends a clear message against any manifestation of intolerance.

The official act, held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was attended by the chancellor, Janaina Tewaney; the Ambassador of Israel in Panama, Itai Bardov; among other ministerial representatives of Panama and leaders of the local Jewish Community among which we mention the Dear Brothers David Djemal, Senior Vice President of BBI and Alberto Levy, president of Bnai Brith Panama Lodge Irving Zapp, having played the B’nai B’rith a key role in the conversations that led to today’s pronouncement.

Click here to read the release in Spanish.