Progressive Jewish groups seek to undermine adoption of universal anti-Semitism definition
February 5, 2021
(JNS) â As the Biden administration prepares to take on major international issues of the day, a debate has emerged within the American Jewish community over whether the International Holocaust Remembrance Allianceâs definition of anti-Semitism should be adopted into law.
A group of left-wing Jewish and Israeli groups issued a joint statement last week in opposition to adopting the definition, claiming that doing so would silence criticism of Israel.
The collection of groups â known as the Progressive Israel Network â include Ameinu, Americans for Peace Now, Habonim Dror North America, Hashomer Hatzair World Movement, Jewish Labor Committee, J Street, New Israel Fund, Partners for Progressive Israel, Reconstructing Judaism and Târuah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights.
Jewish Ledger
51 Jewish organizations adopts antisemitism definition
(JNS) A coalition of 51 Jewish and pro-Israel organizations has adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism on Thursday, Jan. 21. The organizations are members of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, which announced the adoption on Tuesday, Jan. 26, the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The two other members of the umbrella organization, Americans for Peace Now and the Workers Circle, did not adopt the definition. Americans for Peace Now, which is highly critical of Israeli policy.The Workers Circle, a Yiddish culture group, did not comment on the announcement.
Comments
Jerusalem Not even a week after violent, anti-Semitic rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol building, a collective of Jewish groups urged then President-elect Joe Biden to target activism critical of Israel.
The Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations (CoP) sent Biden a letter on January 12, urging the incoming administration to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism across “all federal departments and agencies.”
As the nation was reeling from a historic insurrection swarming with Camp Auschwitz attire and Confederate flags, CoP decided to instead focus their efforts on pro-Palestine activity in universities.
“[A]ntisemitism on college campuses is a serious problem,” the Jewish leaders wrote, emphasizing that previous administrations understood “some anti-Israel activity is simply a modern form of antisemitism.”
Coalition of 51 Jewish, Pro-Israel Organizations Adopts IHRA Definition of Anti-Semitism By JLNJ Staff | January 28, 2021
(JNS) A coalition of 51 Jewish and pro-Israel organizations has adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism.
The organizations are members of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, which announced the adoption on the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The two other members of the umbrella organization, Americans for Peace Now and the Workers Circle, did not adopt the definition.
The IHRA definition says: “Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
Coalition of 51 Jewish, pro-Israel organizations adopts definition of anti-Semitism
Coalition of 51 Jewish, pro-Israel organizations adopts definition of anti-Semitism
It comes on the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day as a debate has emerged in the Jewish and pro-Israel community over whether the official IHRA definition should be adopted into law.
Holding a sign against anti-Semitism at a rally in New York City on Sept. 22, 2019. Photo by Rhonda Hodas Hack.
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(January 26, 2021 / JNS) A coalition of 51 Jewish and pro-Israel organizations has adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism on Thursday.
The organizations are members of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, which announced the adoption on Tuesday, the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.