Does the Jerusalem Declaration offers a new definition of antisemitism?

Antisemitism is increasing in many countries worldwide. The Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism (JDA) wants to provide a tool to identify, confront and raise awareness about antisemitism as it manifests in countries around the world today. It was developed by a group of scholars in the fields of Holocaust history, Jewish studies, and Middle East studies with the objective to provide clear guidance to identify and fight antisemitism while protecting free expression. It has over 200 signatories.

The JDA aims to put forth its own definition of antisemitism aiming to curb the growing momentum by the state of Israel and many of its supporters to wield the IHRA definition to restrict valid criticisms of the state, often in the form of political organizing that targets it.

Jewish Organisations worldwide criticises the JDA arguing that antisemitism is more than just one form of racism. Antisemitism existed long before the idea of races was born. The JD gives opponents of the Jewish state in particular carte blanche to criticize Israel almost without limits.

View the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism

View the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition