The Dominican Republic has formally committed to adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, becoming the 48th country globally and the seventh in Latin America to do so. President Luis Abinader directed the country’s foreign ministry to formalize the decision, marking a significant policy shift in the region.
The announcement was made during the Combat Antisemitism Movement-sponsored annual Latin American Forum Against Antisemitism in Santo Domingo on Monday. Abinader emphasized that antisemitism poses a broader threat to democratic values, stating in translated remarks: "Antisemitism is not a problem that concerns only the Jewish people. It is a threat to democratic coexistence and to the rights and freedoms of us all."
The move follows advocacy from Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, the U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, who urged Latin American governments to follow the Dominican Republic’s lead. Kaploun described the decision as a "historic moment" and framed it as part of a broader international effort to address rising antisemitism. He added: "There cannot be any compromise with antisemitism. We will lead by example and take positive steps to protect every Jewish community."
The adoption comes amid heightened global concern over antisemitism, with the Combat Antisemitism Movement’s Antisemitism Research Center reporting 767 antisemitic incidents worldwide in March 2026—an average of nearly 25 incidents per day and a 32.5% increase compared to March 2025. The data underscores the urgency of coordinated responses to combat hate speech and violence targeting Jewish communities.
Policy Context and Regional Implications
The Dominican Republic’s decision aligns with a growing trend of nations adopting the IHRA definition, which provides a globally recognized framework for identifying and addressing antisemitism. The definition has been endorsed by governments, international organizations, and civil society groups as a tool to combat hate speech while balancing free expression concerns.
Kaploun referenced the Trump administration’s efforts in the United States as a model for confronting antisemitism internationally, suggesting that the Dominican Republic’s move could inspire similar actions across Latin America. The forum where the announcement was made served as a platform to highlight cross-regional collaboration in combating antisemitism.
Global Antisemitism Trends
The reported spike in antisemitic incidents in March 2026 reflects a broader pattern of escalating hate crimes and online harassment targeting Jewish populations. The data, compiled by the Combat Antisemitism Movement, indicates that incidents have surged in both digital and physical spaces, prompting calls for stronger legal and educational measures.
The Dominican Republic’s adoption of the IHRA definition is seen by supporters as a proactive step to set a regional precedent. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential misuse of such definitions to suppress legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies, a debate that has intensified in recent years.
Next Steps and Regional Response
With the Dominican Republic’s formalization of the IHRA definition, attention now turns to whether other Latin American nations will follow suit. Kaploun’s call for regional leadership suggests that diplomatic pressure may play a role in encouraging further adoptions. The forum in Santo Domingo served as a focal point for discussions on best practices, legal frameworks, and international cooperation to address antisemitism.
The decision also raises questions about the implementation and enforcement of the definition within the Dominican Republic’s legal and educational systems. While the policy shift signals a commitment to combating antisemitism, the practical application of the IHRA definition will likely be a subject of ongoing scrutiny.