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The War over the IHRA Definition of Anti-Semitism

(Los Angeles Jewish Journal) Gerald M. Steinberg - An acrimonious debate is taking place around the working definition of anti-Semitism developed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), a document formally adopted by 30 governments in Europe, North America and Australia. The definition includes a number of examples, some of which relate to Israel and the anti-Zionist form of anti-Semitism. These include "denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination," applying double standards not "demanded of any other democratic nation," using symbols "associated with classic anti-Semitism...to characterize Israel or Israelis" or comparing "contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis." For some vocal organizations and individuals, the Israel-related examples of anti-Semitism are unacceptable and are portrayed, or distorted, as attempts to "silence criticism" of Israeli policies. In reality, there is plenty of room to criticize Israeli policies without resorting to discriminatory boycotts, comparing the IDF to the Nazis, or labeling the Jewish state as inherently racist. Amidst the mudslinging, the core issues of anti-Semitism and the escalating attacks against Jews and Jewish institutions are marginalized and even forgotten. The writer is emeritus professor of political studies at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, a fellow of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, and heads the Institute for NGO Research in Jerusalem.
2021-01-28 00:00:00
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