RECOGNISING ANTISEMITISM
definition of antisemitism
At GnasherJew we use the globally accepted definition of antisemitism The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance or “The IHRA” as guideline.
“The IHRA Committee on Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial worked to develop a consensus around an antisemitic working definition worldwide. Consequently, the IHRA provided an important tool with a broad range of practical applications to society today.
Manifestations might include the targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as Jewish collectivity. However, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic. Antisemitism frequently charges Jews with conspiring to harm humanity, and it is often used to blame Jews for “why things go wrong.” It is expressed in speech, writing, visual forms and action, and employs sinister stereotypes and negative character traits.”
Here are a few examples that might serve as illustrations:
1
Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extremist view of religion.
2
Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective — such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other societal institutions.
3
Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.
4
Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g. gas chambers) or intentionality of the genocide of the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its supporters and accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust).
5
Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.
6
Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.
7
Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination.
8
Applying double standards by requiring of it (Israel) a behaviour not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
9
Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.
10
Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
11
Holding Jews collectively responsible for the actions of the state of Israel.
12
Antisemitic discrimination is the denial to Jews of opportunities or services available to others.
Criminal acts are antisemitic when the targets of attacks, whether they are people or property – such as buildings, schools, places of worship and cemeteries – are selected because they are, or are perceived to be, Jewish or linked to Jews.
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