HOT · Recent
Where is the line between criticizing Israel and antisemitism?
In brief
Almost everyone agrees that criticizing Israeli policy is not antisemitic and that hatred of Jews is. The dispute is over the middle ground, especially denying the Jewish people's right to a state, and whether definitions such as the IHRA's protect Jews or chill legitimate speech.
What is claimed
- Defenders of the IHRA working definition, adopted in 2016, say that denying Jews the right to self-determination, applying double standards to Israel and using classic antisemitic images against it are forms of antisemitism.
- Critics say the definition is used to silence criticism of Israel and to equate anti-Zionism with hatred of Jews.
What the record shows
- UN General Assembly Resolution 3379 of 1975 declared that Zionism is a form of racism. The Assembly revoked it on 16 December 1991.
- The IHRA working definition has been adopted by many governments and universities. Its authors have said it was not meant to be a legal speech code.
- In March 2021 a group of scholars issued the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism as an alternative that separates harsh criticism of Israel from antisemitism.
- Reported antisemitic incidents rose sharply in many countries after 7 October 2023, according to monitoring groups such as the ADL.
The case and the answers
The strongest case against
- Labeling political criticism as antisemitism harms free speech, and Jews themselves disagree about Zionism.
- The IHRA examples are too broad and are used by governments to restrict protest.
The best answers
- Zionism is the belief that the Jewish people have a right to a state, and surveys show that most Jews feel attached to Israel.
- Denying that right to Jews alone, while accepting national movements for every other people, is a double standard.
- Protests that target Jewish students and institutions, and chants that call for Israel's elimination, go beyond policy criticism.
Key dates
- 10 Nov 1975 UN General Assembly adopts Resolution 3379.
- 16 Dec 1991 Resolution 3379 is revoked.
- May 2016 IHRA adopts its working definition.
- Mar 2021 Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism.
- Oct 2023 Antisemitic incidents rise worldwide after 7 October.
Who addresses this
Profiles with articles, videos and podcasts. Open a profile for the full list.
- Anti-Defamation LeagueTracks antisemitic incidents
- Miriam H. ElmanCampus politics
- Melanie PhillipsBritish commentary
- Bret StephensUS commentary
Direct sources and further study
- IHRA working definition of antisemitismThe text and its examples
- Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism (2021)The alternative definition
- Wikipedia: United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3379History of the resolution
- ADL Audit of Antisemitic IncidentsAnnual data
Related on NOWlej
Know a good article, video or podcast on this issue? Send it to us.
Links to outside sources are provided for study and do not imply endorsement. Figures and rulings are described as of the date shown.