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Dominican Republic Embraces IHRA Antisemitism Definition

The Dominican Republic is set to become the 48th country globally and the seventh in Latin America to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. President Luis Abinader has instructed the foreign ministry to formalize the adoption.

The move coincides with calls from Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, urging Latin American governments to follow the Dominican Republic’s example. He cited efforts by the Trump administration as an approach for tackling antisemitism globally.

Abinader announced the decision at the Combat Antisemitism Movement-sponsored forum in Santo Domingo. According to him, antisemitism challenges not only Jewish communities but also threatens democratic coexistence and broader rights.

Global Context and Recent Developments

In March 2026, the Combat Antisemitism Movement’s Antisemitism Research Center documented 767 antisemitic incidents worldwide, a 32.5% increase from the previous year. This data highlights a growing concern over antisemitism on a global scale.

Kaploun lauded the Dominican Republic’s decision, describing it as a historic stance against antisemitism. He emphasized, “There cannot be any compromise with antisemitism.”

He also noted the United States’ actions, including prosecuting hate crimes, altering visa vetting, and withdrawing from certain U.N. bodies. These measures form part of the framework for addressing antisemitism.

IHRA Definition and Implementation

The IHRA definition characterizes antisemitism as a specific perception often expressed as hatred toward Jews. It includes rhetorical or physical manifestations against both Jewish and non-Jewish individuals, their properties, and Jewish community institutions.

Since 2010, the U.S. State Department has utilized a working definition of antisemitism with guiding examples. Adoption of this definition helps organizations identify and respond consistently to antisemitic incidents.

As of late 2025, numerous entities around the world have adopted or endorsed the IHRA definition, demonstrating its widespread acceptance.

Historical and Contemporary Relevance

President Abinader linked the decision to the Dominican Republic’s history of sheltering Jews fleeing Nazi persecution. He announced funding for a new Jewish Museum of Sosúa to celebrate this heritage.

Once formalized, the Dominican Republic will join other Latin American countries like Argentina and Colombia in endorsing the IHRA framework. This step could influence more countries in the region to address antisemitism effectively.

Abinader concluded with a call to transform memory into education, education into prevention, and principles into actions. The United States pledged support for these regional efforts to promote religious liberty and freedom.