GLASGOW councillors will be asked to adopt an international definition of antiSemitism when they meet on Thursday.

Frank McAveety, Glasgow Labour leader, is putting forward a motion which pledges to “combat this pernicious form of racism”.

The move has been welcomed by Glasgow Friends of Israel (GFI), which says its members have experienced anti-Semitism in the city.

It would see Glasgow City Council join the UK and Scottish Governments by accepting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition. This states: “Anti-

Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed towards Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

Claims of antisemitism have dogged the Labour Party, and leader Jeremy Corbyn, over recent years. It agreed to accept the IHRA working definition in September last year.

Councillor McAveety described anti-Semitism as a “stain on our politics”, adding: “We need to demonstrate the Labour Party is committed to tackling antisemitism. We’re unanimous in our commitment to tackling anti-Semitism when it rears its head.”

Sammy Stein, GFI

chairman, said: “We are aware extreme left wing groups campaigned against the adoption of this definition.

“We are pleased this made no difference to the Council’s stand against antisemitism.”

“GFI has a peace stall every Saturday in Buchanan Street advocating for peace for both the Israeli and Palestinian people. We support both as there cannot be peace for just one side.

“At this stall, we experience antisemitism expressed directly against Jews as well as the state of Israel.”

Edward Sutherland, secretary/acting convener for the Confederation of Friends of Israel in Scotland, also welcomed Mr McAveety’s motion.

He said: “Antisemitism should have no place in 21st century Glasgow or, indeed, anywhere else.

“Contrary to the deceptions peddled by hate groups, the IHRA definition specifically permits criticism of Israel, as indeed it should.

“It does clarify civilised boundaries, eg calling Israelis ‘Nazis’, using antisemitic tropes in relation to Israel, or denying its right to exist are all unacceptable.

“More than 90 per cent of British Jews consider Israel to be part of their own identity, so ‘anti Zionism’ is inseparable from antisemitism. In recent times, Scots law has recognised the need to criminalise certain sectarian behaviour. Jews and Israelis in Scotland deserve the same protections.”

Former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown joined the Jewish Labour Movement as an affiliated member on Monday, saying his party had let the Jewish community down over recent years.