The IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) Definition of Anti-Semitism: Its Major Contribution and its Shortcomings

With the large increase of anti-Semitism in the new century the

need for an updated definition of anti-Semitism became much

clearer. This led, in 2005, to the creation of the EUMC-working

definition of anti-Semitism. It later became known as the FRA

(Fundamental Rights Agency) working definition of anti-

Semitism. Though some organizations did recommend use of

this definition, it did not find large acceptance. It was taken off

of FRA website in 2013. The US State Department maintains a

definition of anti-Semitism, which is almost identical to the FRA

definition.

In May 2016 the International Holocaust Remembrance

Alliance (IHRA) adopted a working definition of anti-Semitism

largely identical to the FRA definition. It has much more

authority than previous definitions as its acceptance had

required the agreement of 31 Western governments, which are

all members of the IHRA.

This definition can be applied concretely to anti-Semitic acts

and statements in various contexts. Doing this shows its

multiple possibilities. Yet, the regular use of the IHRA definition

makes it clear that, besides one important misconception in its

wording, there are many anti-Semitic incidents and issues

which are not covered by the definition. One also becomes

aware that many borderline issues touching upon anti-

Semitism cannot be dealt with by any definition.

Within the IHRA definition anti-Israeli anti-Semitism is detailed

too summarily. This necessitates the establishment of an

additional definition of anti-Israeli anti-Semitism mainly

expanding on various items included in the IHRA definition.