What’s happening
As cases of antisemitism soar, particularly on university campuses after the tragic events of October 7, U.S. academic institutions have been slow to officially endorse the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Working Definition of Antisemitism (IHRA Definition). A recent report singles out Boston University’s student government as the only U.S. academic body to adopt the IHRA Definition in 2023.
Why it matters
With antisemitic sentiments reaching alarming highs—73% of Jewish college students in the U.S have reported experiencing or witnessing such sentiments—it’s pivotal for educational institutions to acknowledge and address this problem. The definition plays a critical role in helping universities, governmental entities, and organizations recognize and react accordingly to antisemitic incidents.
U.S. behind international adoption rates
America’s higher education is falling behind in formally recognizing the IHRA Definition when compared to international counterparts. In 2023, seven universities globally have adopted the definition, with UK institutions integrating it into their conduct codes, totaling 345 internationally.
The significance of adoption
The IHRA Definition provides a comprehensive guide for understanding contemporary manifestations of antisemitism, offering not just a definition but also dated in eleven illustrative examples. These offer a framework to challenge antisemitism on various levels, be they cultural, educational, or legislative.
A call to action
Experts urge American colleges to take a stand and safeguard their Jewish students, positing the IHRA Definition as a valuable educational tool. The measure could allow local, state, and federal authorities better monitor and address antisemitic trends. So far, a total of 97 entities endorsed the IHRA Definition in 2023, and 1,216 did so cumulatively by the end of the year.
International stance and far-left incidents
Nearly 45 countries including the United States, absent the United Nations, have endorsed the IHRA Definition. Criticism falls upon the U.N. following their draft plan to combat antisemitism in 2023, which was rebuffed by Jewish organizations for excluding the IHRA standards and failing to address modern antisemitism. Meanwhile, there’s been a stark rise in antisemitic occurrences credited to the far-left and Islamist sentiments, increasingly tied to anti-Zionism and conflations of global Jewry with the Israeli state.
Bottom line
Adoption of the IHRA Definition not only stands as a symbol against antisemitism but also serves as a practical tool in combatting its instances, influencing education and law enforcement responses. States like Virginia amongst the 34 U.S. states have benefitted from its adoption. It may invoke broader institutional change and acknowledge the prevalent issue that sees Jewish populations at target.
This story was first published on jpost.com.