American Jewish Committee on Friday issued a response to a letter by Human Rights Watch and other organizations asking the UN to reject the widely recognized International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism.
The letter alleged that the IHRA definition was being inappropriately used as “a blunt instrument to label anyone an antisemite,” citing a statement made by Ken Stern, the main drafter of the IHRA definition.
But AJC noted that the examples of antisemitism in the IHRA definition “mirror the recent surge in antisemitic attacks” taking place across the world.
“Efforts to counter antisemitism are more necessary than ever,” AJC said.
“The IHRA definition has immense value as an educational tool that offers greater awareness of the multiple forms antisemitism can take. It empowers the victims and society at large to identify otherwise undetected forms of antisemitism.”
AJC stressed that many governments and international bodies have recognized its value, with it being adopted by more than 30 nations, multilateral organizations such as the European Union and the Organization of American States, 29 US states, numerous local governments, and countless businesses, universities, and organizations.”
It called the definition an “indispensable tool in the fight against the insidious menace that is antisemitism.”
“It offers succinct explanations and practical examples that can help a police officer on the street or a graduate student in the classroom recognize antisemitism,” the advocacy organization explained, noting that it can be used to counter antisemitic conspiracy theories, Holocaust denial, and the demonization of Israel.
(Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Passover in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)