Dominican Republic joins global fight against antisemitism with landmark move

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader announced Monday that his country will formally adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, making it the 48th nation globally and the seventh in Latin America to do so. The decision was made during the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM)-sponsored Latin American Forum Against Antisemitism held in Santo Domingo. Abinader emphasized that antisemitism poses a broader threat than just to Jewish communities, calling it a danger to democratic values and individual freedoms. Abinader delivered the announcement at the forum, which brought together officials, activists, and representatives from across Latin America. He stated that antisemitism should not be perceived solely as an issue impacting Jewish populations. “Antisemitism is not a problem that concerns only the Jewish people,” he said. “It is a threat to democratic coexistence and to the rights and freedoms of us all.” His comments underscored the Dominican Republic’s commitment to addressing antisemitism as part of its broader human rights agenda. The move follows increasing global concerns over antisemitic incidents. According to data released by the Combat Antisemitism Movement’s Antisemitism Research Center, there were 767 recorded antisemitic incidents worldwide in March 2026, an average of nearly 25 incidents daily and representing a 32.5% rise compared to the same period in 2025. These figures highlight the urgency behind the Dominican Republic’s adoption of the IHRA definition, which aims to provide clarity and consistency in identifying and combating antisemitism. Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, the U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, commended the Dominican Republic’s initiative at the forum. He described the decision as a “historic moment” and encouraged other Latin American nations to follow suit. “What you have witnessed tonight is a government standing up for what is right,” Kaploun said. “There cannot be any compromise with antisemitism.” Kaploun highlighted the importance of using clear definitions to combat modern forms of antisemitism. He referenced the U.S. experience under the Trump administration, noting how policies such as holding universities accountable, prosecuting hate crimes, and revising visa vetting procedures helped reduce antisemitic incidents domestically. He suggested these strategies could serve as models for other countries seeking to address similar challenges. The IHRA’s working definition of antisemitism, adopted by its member states in 2016, defines antisemitism as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.” This includes both verbal and physical expressions directed at Jewish individuals, their property, community institutions, or religious sites. While the definition is not legally binding, it provides guidance for governments, law enforcement, educational institutions, and others in recognizing and responding to antisemitic behavior. The Dominican Republic’s adoption of this definition marks a significant step in aligning with international standards for combating antisemitism. The country’s foreign ministry is tasked with formalizing the decision, which will likely involve updating legal frameworks and public policy to reflect the new stance. The move is expected to influence regional discussions on human rights and security, particularly among Latin American allies. As the Dominican Republic moves forward with implementing the IHRA definition, attention will turn to how effectively the country integrates this approach into domestic legislation and societal norms. Officials have yet to outline specific measures or timelines for implementation, but the commitment signals a long-term effort to address antisemitism as part of a broader strategy to promote tolerance and safeguard minority rights.