StopAntisemitism Voices Supports for IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism

    NEW YORK, NY, April 26, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ -- StopAntisemitism, a group dedicated to exposing those spewing hatred towards the Jewish people and State, unequivocally supports the working definition of antisemitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).

"With Jew hatred spreading like wildfire in every facet of society, it's important for individuals and institutions to officially recognize the widely accepted IHRA definition of antisemitism in a consistent manner," says StopAntisemitism Executive Director Liora Rez. "We must work relentlessly to amplify its power by advocating for its wide adoption by multilateral organizations, government institutions, states, universities, and school systems."

IHRA includes 34 member states and numerous experts who work together to strengthen, advance, and promote Holocaust education, research, and remembrance. The working definition of antisemitism was adopted at a plenary in Bucharest in May 2016 and states:

"Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities."

Many people recognize antisemitism only in its classical form: the public portrayal of Jews as greedy, demonic creatures who constantly conspire to control the world. But in recent decades, antisemitism has mutated into a new form – anti-Zionism, often disguised as allegedly legitimate criticism of Israel, including, but not limited to:

• Claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.
• Applying double standards by requiring of Israel a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
• Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
• Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.

Since 2016, the IHRA definition has been adopted by numerous countries, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies and departments, including the U.S. Department of State.

About Liora Rez

A refugee from the former Soviet Union where antisemitism was rampant, Liora Rez was all too familiar with its dangers. Since founding StopAntisemitism in 2018, she has expanded the organization's reach to millions of people. Its activism has resulted in the expulsion of antisemitic students, the firing of antisemitic employees, the public embarrassment of antisemitic political activists, and more.

To learn more, visit StopAntisemitism.org.

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