July 24, 2025 — San Jose, Costa Rica
American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, today praised Costa Rica for adopting the widely recognized working definition of antisemitism from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). The announcement followed meetings with government leaders by a delegation from AJC’s Arthur and Rochelle Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs (BILLA).
Costa Rica is now the sixth Latin American nation that has adopted the IHRA definition, which labels antisemitism as 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.”
“We are grateful that Costa Rica has joined the growing number of nations that view the IHRA definition as an essential guidepost to recognize antisemitism in its various forms so it can be properly addressed,” said BILLA Director Dina Siegel Vann. “We urge all nations to take this important step to protect their Jewish communities and uphold their Democratic values.”
Siegel Vann, BILLA Deputy Director Daniela Greene and BILLA board member Eric Scharf, a leader in the Costa Rican Jewish community and a member of BILLA’s Board of Trustees, had met with government officials urging them to adopt the IHRA definition.
“The Jewish community of Costa Rica is very pleased with this important decision, said Gilbert Meltzer, president of the Costa Rican Jewish Community. “The increase of hate speech and attacks on Jews all over the world, especially after October 7, demands ethical decisions and firm actions as this one. We thank Costa Rica for joining the group of countries in the international community that support morality and combat discrimination.”
The IHRA definition is used by government and non-government agencies to train police, prosecutors, and the judiciary, and to inform civil society monitors and educators.
Other Latin American nations that have adopted or endorsed the IHRA definition include Argentina, Colombia, Guatemala, Panama, and Uruguay.
In the U.S., 35 states and the District of Columbia have adopted or recognized the importance of the definition. It has also been adopted by numerous other countries, local governments, and civic and educational institutions.
AJC was involved in the original drafting of the definition 14 years ago.
AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. With headquarters in New York, 25 regional offices across the United States, 15 overseas posts, as well as partnerships with 38 Jewish community organizations worldwide, AJC’s mission is to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. For more, please visit www.ajc.org.
