Merton Council is set to include the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism in its hate crime strategy.

The council adopted the definition in June last year and the IHRA defines anti-Semitism as: “A certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.

“Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

On Monday (November 12) a report will go to the council’s cabinet to approve the definition’s use within the hate crime strategy.

The report states: “Anti-Semitism – a form of hate crime, has been a crucial part of national politics recently and continues to be a problem in this country and it is right that as a local authority, we are able to demonstrate the seriousness with which we take it as we do for other forms of hate crime.”

The council’s cabinet will meet at Merton Civic Centre at 7.15pm on Monday.