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The White House Intends to Fight Antisemitism; That Starts with a Sensible Definition
(JTA) William Daroff - In the coming days, the White House is expected to release what President Joe Biden has called "the first-ever U.S. national strategy to counter antisemitism." Adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, known as IHRA, is an essential tool to combat anti-Jewish hate. 41 nations, as well as hundreds of local governments, academic institutions, NGOs and other entities, have formally adopted it, as have 31 American states. 51 of the 53 member organizations of the Conference of Presidents adopted the definition - a clear recognition that we are unified when it comes to the comprehensive approach it provides for labeling and addressing antisemitism. One particular aspect of the IHRA definition that draws attention is its treatment of the relationship between anti-Israel bias and antisemitism. Anti-Zionism often serves as a cover for antisemitism. Forms of antisemitism that are masked as "anti-Zionism" and that deny the right of the Jewish people to self-determination are among those most frequently encountered by many Jews today. The writer is CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.