UK Adopts Anti-Semitism Definition
(December 2016)
The United Kingdom formally adopted the definition of anti-Semitism agreed to at the May 2016 conference of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). The IHRA’s definition reads: “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.”
The IHRA said the definition could include criticisms which target Israel, if this was “conceived as a Jewish collectivity.” It added: “However, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as anti-Semitic.” In addition, it could be considered anti-Semitic to accuse Jews of being more loyal to Israel or their religion than to their own nations, or to say the existence of Israel is intrinsically racist.
Sources: International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)
Peter Walker, UK adopts antisemitism definition to combat hate crime against Jews,
theGuardian, (December 11, 2016).
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