Championed by various Jewish and pro-Israeli groups, advocates for the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism say it has become a benchmark used by many governments, NGOs, and public institutions to identify acts of anti-Jewish hatred. Twenty-nine countries have so far adopted or endorsed the definition, along with many political parties and public institutions, including both the Conservative and Labour parties ia the UK.
But some institutions have resisted adopting the definition. In the UK, universities have been warned they could lose government funding unless they adopt it - but many academics argue that the definition could undermine free speech on campuses. Legal experts have also said the definition could lead to a "curtailment of debate". So why has the definition proven to be so controversial?
The IHRA's working definition of antisemitism reads as follows:
"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."
Read HERE the full article by The Middle East Eye
