West Ham United welcomes the Premier League’s adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.
The Club announced its formal adoption of the working definition of antisemitism ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day in January 2020 and is proud that the Premier League has now followed as part of its ongoing commitment to promote equality and diversity, and to combat discrimination of any form in football.
The working definition has also been formally adopted by the governments of the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Hungary, the United States, the European Parliament and more than 30 other countries. It reads:
“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
West Ham United become the second Premier League club, after Chelsea, to adopt the IHRA definition. The Club will mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2021 prior to our fixture against Liverpool at London Stadium on Wednesday 30 January.
West Ham United is unequivocal in its stance and has always taken a zero-tolerance policy to any form of discrimination. Equality and diversity are at the heart of the Football Club and we are committed to continue ensuring that everyone who enters London Stadium is free to enjoy watching their team play football in an inclusive environment.
Our adoption of the IHRA's working definition will enable us to be more effective in dealing with any antisemitic behaviour targeting our clubs or personnel
Bill Bush
Bill Bush, Executive Director of the Premier League, said: "The Premier League is committed to tackling any form of discrimination in football. Our adoption of the IHRA's working definition will enable us to be more effective in dealing with any antisemitic behaviour targeting our clubs or personnel.
"We continue to work closely with clubs and relevant authorities to ensure that any incident of discrimination is dealt with appropriately.
"The adoption of the IHRA’s working definition of antisemitism is the latest step in the Premier League’s continued work to ensure that football is a welcoming environment for all.”
Jonathan Goldstein, chair or the Jewish Leadership Council, said: "In a year when football is rightly tackling racism, this commitment to understand and combat anti-Jewish racism ensures we all play our part.
"The Premier League joins countries across the globe, political parties of all stripes, hundreds of local councils, and many more civil society organisations in adopting this definition and taking an active stance against racism."
Like West Ham United, the Premier League has a zero-tolerance attitude to discrimination and believes that everyone involved in the sport has the right to feel safe and welcome and encourages everyone to challenge and report abusive behaviour wherever they find it.