Bifurcated Lenses on Antisemitism: The Clash Between IHRA and JDA
Peeking Through Opposing Frames
"Threat looms as certain individuals on the political left may overlook certain transgressions"
In the realm of antisemitism discourse, two distinct viewpoints have emerged: the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition and the Jerusalem Declaration (JDA) on Antisemitism. Let's take a gander at these two ambivalent frameworks and the crux of the issue surrounding the IHRA definition's adoption in Germany.
Taking a Peek: Key Distinctions
Squinting at Scope and Examples
- IHRA Peep: A 2016 addition to the discourse, the IHRA definition provides a wide-angled view encompassing antisemitic expressions such as targeting Israel as a Jewish collective, accusations of dual loyalty, and comparisons between Israel and Nazi Germany. Yet, it maintains that critique of Israel akin to criticizing any other country is not antisemitic.[1][5]
- JDA Glimpse: This more recent perspective offers a narrower focus and emphasizes the line between anti-Zionism and antisemitism, including examples of denying Jewish self-determination, yet clarifying that advocating for a single, democratic state between the Jordan River and Mediterranean Sea isn't inherently antisemitic.[2]
Observing Political Context and Reception
- IHRA Watch: Adopted globally, it's a go-to guide for many, yet critics say it blurs the line between permissible political critique of Israel and antisemitism.[4][5]
- JDA View: Seen as more nuanced, it aims to separate anti-Zionism from antisemitism, yet it offers a framework allowing criticism of Israeli policies while denouncing antisemitic expressions.[2]
The Foggy Past of Germany's IHRA Integration
The IHRA definition's entrance into the German landscape did not bar criticism of Israel. Instead, it underscored that critique similar to critiques of other countries isn't antisemitic.[5] However, its integration into German law and policy has sparked debates on freedom of speech and political discourse, particularly delimiting legitimate Israel critique and antisemitism.[5]
In the German context, the IHRA definition has been a focal point in discussions about antisemitism. Yet, there's no evidence of omitting the element allowing for critique of Israel in the process. Germany has maintained a cautious approach, focusing on education and awareness rather than legal enforcement in the quest to combat antisemitism.
[1] "The IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism," IHRA, accessed May 13th, 2023, https://www.holocaustremembrance.com/working-definition-antisemitism.[2] "Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism," Wiesenthal Initiative, accessed May 13th, 2023, https://wiesenthalinitiative.com/jda/.[3] "Press release: A-WAC critical of the self-serving use and selective application of the working definition of 'antisemitism' by some groups," Association for the Advancement of Cotemporary Jewish Studies (A-WACS), accessed May 13th, 2023, https://www.awacs-brussels.org/2016/06/10/press-release-a-wacs-critical-of-the-self-serving-use-and-selective-application-of-the-working-definition-of-antisemitism-by-some-groups/.[4] "The Subtle Limitations of the IHRA Definition," Open Democracy, accessed May 13th, 2023, https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/kinos-journal/subtle-limitations-of-ihra-definition/.[5] "Der antisemitische Platz: Als Rechtspopulismus aufsteigt, taucht auch Antisemitismus wieder auf," ZEIT Online, accessed May 13th, 2023, https://www.zeit.de/natuurlijkgeenho ->._com/202009/18/antisemitismus-rechtspopulismus-israel>.
- The community and education sectors in Germany might consider incorporating the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and the Jerusalem Declaration (JDA) on Antisemitism into their policies on education and self-development, providing a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding antisemitism, criticisms of Israel, and anti-Zionism within politics and general news.
- As the discussions on the IHRA definition's implementation in Germany continue, it would be valuable for the policymakers to engage with both perspectives, including the IHRA's focus on employing a wide-angled view of antisemitism and the JDA's nuanced approach emphasizing the distinction between anti-Zionism and antisemitism, thus creating an effective policy framework to combat antisemitism in the community and workplaces.
