Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism

Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism
The logo of the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism; the letters J-D-A with the J in purple and the others in black
Created2020-2021
PresentedMarch 25, 2021
Commissioned byVan Leer Jerusalem Institute
PurposeGuide on antisemitism

The Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism (JDA) is a document meant to outline the bounds of antisemitic speech and conduct, particularly with regard to Zionism, Israel and Palestine. Its creation was motivated by a desire to confront antisemitism and by objections to the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism, which critics have said stifles legitimate criticism of the Israeli government and curbs free speech.[1][2] The drafting of the declaration was initiated in June 2020 under the auspices of the Van Leer Institute in Jerusalem by eight coordinators, most of whom were university professors. Upon its completion the declaration was signed by about 200 scholars in various fields and released in March 2021.

The declaration includes a 16-word definition of antisemitism which reads: "Antisemitism is discrimination, prejudice, hostility or violence against Jews as Jews (or Jewish institutions as Jewish)."[3] It also includes 15 guidelines, divided into three sections, that seek to aid in the identification of antisemitism and give examples of speech and conduct with regard to Israel and Palestine that are and are not antisemitic.[3][4]

The declaration was positively received by a cohort of Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives who urged the U.S. State Department to use it alongside the IHRA definition.[5][6] In its response to the Representatives, the State Department reaffirmed its support for the IHRA definition and did not take any steps to adopt the JDA.[7] The declaration has been criticized on multiple grounds: A common refrain is that by seeking to rebut the IHRA definition, the JDA undermines consensus and sets back the fight against antisemitism. The declaration has also been criticized for sidelining the issue of antisemitism by seeking to engulf it in the fight against all other forms of racism and discrimination. Its reputability has been questioned, given that a number of its signers have been accused of antisemitism.

  1. ^ Kampeas, Ron (March 25, 2021). "Over 200 scholars create new anti-Semitism definition that excludes backing Israel boycotts". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  2. ^ Harb, Ali (March 26, 2021). "Opposing Zionism is not hate speech, new antisemitism definition asserts". Middle East Eye. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  3. ^ a b "The Jerusalem Declaration On Antisemitism". JerusalemDeclaration.org. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  4. ^ Trachtenberg, Barry (March 26, 2021). "Why I Signed the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism". Jewish Currents. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
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